JUNE 27 – NORTHERN IRELAND football hero David Healy (pictured) is to join a new group to advise the Province’s Government on maximising opportunities presented by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it was announced today.
Northern Ireland Sports Minister Gregory Campbell made the announcement at the first meeting of the 2012 Leadership Group in Belfast.
Campbell said: “The purpose of the Leadership Group is to provide strategic direction, advice and guidance in taking forward Northern Ireland’s input to 2012 and to ensure that we create a lasting legacy for 2012 and beyond.
“I am particularly pleased that David has agreed to become a member of the Leadership Group.
“He is a household name in Northern Ireland and an excellent role model for our young people.
“His involvement will undoubtedly inspire and encourage everyone to play their part.”
Healy, a 28-year-old who plays for Premiership club Fulham, has scored 34 goals in 64 appearances for Northern Ireland – one of the best strke rates in international football.
His goals included 13 in the Euro 2008 qualifying matches, a new record for the competition.
Healy was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list earlier this month.
Campbell said: “I also welcome all the other members of the group, who along with David will bring to the table a diverse range of skills, experience and knowledge which will be used to test ideas, guide developments and help ensure that Northern Ireland’s message is a positive one.”
“There is already great interest and enthusiasm in Northern Ireland for the Beijing Games which start in six weeks time.
“Our aim is to harness what is described as the ‘gold dust’ of the Olympics and use it to increase participation levels in sport and help people develop healthier lifestyles.
“Like other regions of the UK, Northern Ireland plays a full part in the London 2012 structure for the Games and is represented on the Organising Committee’s Nations and Regions Group.
“Being involved at national level will ensure that we are kept informed of key developments so that we can feed into the wider government policy objectives for creating a lasting and valuable legacy,” he concluded, noting that the Northern Ireland strategy has seven key themes.
“These include sport, culture, tourism, education, skills, business and volunteering.
“The sport element focuses on talent identification; coaching; new facilities and pre-games training camps.”