City of Culture opportunities

Culture Minister Nelson McCausland said he was in touch with the organisers of both the Games - when the PSNI, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) will host over 10,000 police and fire officers from around the world - and UK City of Culture 2013 and says a link-up is on the cards.

East Londonderry MLA Gregory Campbell pointed out the events were due to coincide whilst speaking at the Stormont Assembly.

Mr Campbell said: “It has been suggested that events be planned that straddle both occasions.”

He asked the Minister: “Will he ensure that his departmental officials will work resolutely to ensure that those events are successful wherever they may be held?”

Mr McCausland replied: “The Member is right to draw attention to the fact that the World Police and Fire Games will bring a large number of people to Northern Ireland.

“As he said, 2013 is also the year when the UK City of Culture has been awarded to Londonderry. It would be a golden opportunity to ensure that the benefits from that large number of visitors, in some way, flow to the city.

The Culture Minister suggested the organisers of each event would work together to explore the possibility.

“I am sure that that was very much in the minds of the organisers. I have spoken to a number of them, and it is something that they have not forgotten; it is on their agenda.”

The World Police and Fire Games are billed a spectacular international sporting event, offering police officers, firefighters, customs and prison officers from around the world an opportunity to showcase their athletic excellence in over 65 sporting events.

In recent years the Games have attracted 10,000 – 14,000 competitors from over 71 countries, competing in 65 sports over a ten day period

Held biennially, the World Police & Fire Games will be held in New York City in 2011. The size and scope of the games continues to grow, with both the attendance and number of participating countries steadily increasing. The application process to hold the Games is keenly contested and attracts many bids to host what is a world renowned and prestigious event.