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Young people explore sporting diversities

Young people explore sporting diversities

Thu, March 08, 2018

Over 450 young people have taken part in Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Stick and Ball United project. 

The multisport events which took place in Ballymoney, Ballycastle, Coleraine and Limavady provided Year 8 pupils in post primary education an opportunity to explore the diversity of sporting heritage and traditions in the wider region.

Girls were given the opportunity to try camogie, rugby and hockey, while boys had the opportunity to try football and Gaelic football.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “I applaud this programme for its promotion of sharing and understanding of different sporting cultures within the Borough and other Council areas. Using sport is a great way to improve trust and cultural understanding between young people from different backgrounds. The participants I spoke to, gained an education into sporting diversities which is fundamental to building our shared futures together.”

Stephen McCartney, Sports Development Manager (Central) at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “This project showed how similar the technical skills of stick and ball sports such as camogie and hockey are. It also displaid the similarities of kicking techniques and player movements in football, rugby and Gaelic football. It was great fun and the pupils enjoyed the practical experience of transferring their individual skills to different sports.”

Good Relations Officer, Joy Wisener added: “Through this project, our young people are engaging in activities which raise awareness and respect of other cultures. This will only add to the richness and diversity of our new, larger Council area”.

For further details on Sports Development projects and Good Relations projects, please visit Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s website at www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

Year 8 pupils from Dalriada, Our Lady of Lourdes and Ballymoney High School pictured at Council’s Good Relations ‘Stick & Ball United’ programme which explored the diversity of sport in our area. Pupils from Ballycastle High School and Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle who took part in the 'Stick and Ball' initiative.