Peace money secured for sports unity project

Funding from the North West PEACE III Partnership has been made available for the innovative project aimed at local schools in the

Derry City Council, Omagh District Council and Strabane District Council areas.

Coaches have attended a Good Relations workshop provided by Trademark, one of Northern Irelands leading Good Relations training agencies. Support has been provided to coaches in the form of a 'good relations guideline' resource and a code of conduct poster for display in the children's coaching sessions.

The launch of these 'United through Sport' materials and resources will educate sports coaches in using sport as a tool for diversity and integration.

The 'United through Sport' Good Relations campaign will run alongside the educational and practical elements of the North West Leisure and Sport Social Inclusion and Cohesion Programme, to highlight the fact that sport unites many athletes and nations resulting in friendships all around the globe.

In addition, a Good Relations accredited module has been developed to provide coaches with information and delivery techniques when dealing with sport identity, prejudice and discrimination and in the use of Good Relations as a tool to promote anti-sectarianism and anti-racism. This module will be delivered in the coming weeks and provides a unique opportunity for coaches to further their knowledge in this field.

Mayor Colum Eastwood welcomed the initiative saying: "The programme incorporates a range of issues, specifically the importance of educating children to stay fit and healthy, whilst adopting an approach to welcoming diversity and acceptance within the area of sport.

"Coaches who participate in this training will not only have the opportunity to make themselves more aware of Good Relations within their field but will also go on to become role-models for children in our communities."

Eileen McFarline, Chair of the NW PEACE III Partnership, praised the initiative saying: "Sport is a fantastic way for different people to unite, working in partnership and developing relationships.

"By combining Sporting development with Good Relations elements, this project will prove extremely beneficial to all participants.

"Both the children and the coaches involved will have the chance to develop not only their sporting skills but their knowledge and awareness of anti- sectarianism and anti-racism issues.

"It is encouraging to see PEACE III funding used in such an innovative and beneficial way, and I congratulate all involved in bringing this project to fruition"

The project contains three elements which include the schools/community Multi Sport Programme and a Coach Education and Club Development Programme as well as the North West Olympic Initiative.

Each part of this project is supported by an engrained 'Good Relations' theme, addressing issues such as racism, sectarianism and cultural identity.

The NW Leisure and Sport Social Inclusion and Cohesion Programme is supported by the Peace III Programme and managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the North West Peace III Partnership.

For further information regarding the Good relations resources or the date of the accredited module contact George McGowan on 02871 361566 or by email on [email protected]