Council funds life-saving equipment at sports clubs

The aim of the funding is to ensure local sports clubs have a defibrillator onsite and are suitably trained in the event an individual experiences a cardiac incident while playing in or spectating at sport.

Chairman of the Leisure and Community Development Committee, Alderman Paul Porter said: “Defibrillators are invaluable in helping to save the lives of those who suffer a heart attack, therefore it is vital that our sports clubs are equipped with the training and equipment to respond quickly to an incident onsite.

“In 2016, the Council provided 75% funding towards the cost of new defibrillators for seven sports clubs and trained six representatives from each club, which adds to its total contribution of 27 defibrillators and 150 trained coaches over the last three years.

“I would like to thank those clubs for taking part in the initiative and demonstrating their commitment to the protection of their players, staff and spectators as they enjoy sport.

The Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett added: “The renowned cardiologist, who invented the defibrillator, Professor Frank Pantridge, MD CBE, was a resident from the city and his contribution to medical science is permanently remembered today by a bronze statue.

“This year is the 100th anniversary of Professor Pantridge’s birth and I am delighted to see his life-saving work continuing within the city, through this initiative, which equips sports clubs with a defibrillator and vital training that could save lives in emergency situations.”

Clubs who have taken part in the programme in 2016, include; Glenavy Football Club; Gladiators Fencing Club; Downshire Tennis Club;

Lisburn Amateur Boxing Club; Castlereagh Hills Golf Club; Chum Sut Tiger Wrestling Team and Hillsborough Boys Football Club.

For further information on funding for defibrillator training and equipment, please contact Kevin Madden, Sports Development Unit on 028 9250 9567.