Sports clubs tackle booze

The tool kit was launched at a ‘True Spirit of Sport’ seminar on alcohol and its relationship with sport in Londonderry.

Its aim is to help local clubs and sporting establishments examine the role of alcohol and substance abuse in sport and offer the best way to reduce its harmful effects.

The seminar was part of a wider initiative for Co-operation and Working Together’s (CAWT) ‘Time IVA Change‘ Border Region Alcohol Project, supported by Derry City Council Sports Development Department and Sport NI.

Mayor Alderman Maurice Devenney said: “The organisations offer a strategic, multi-agency approach to tackle the issues of alcohol and its negative impact on health, family life and the public.

“I fully support the collaboration and all who are working together with the Civic Alcohol Forum in addressing and reducing these issues in our communities.”

Sport NI Development Officer, Michael Cooke stated: “We are keen to support the education of sports coaches across the region and help them to understand the issues their athletes may face.

“Following the ‘Spirit of Sport’ seminar we are now committed to offering a set of guidelines for best practice on issues related to alcohol, the physical effects alcohol and illegal substances have on the body and on sporting performance.”

The initiative is offering a full tool kit of support which is to be made available to athletes, sports coaches, families and community members in order to reduce binge drinking, introduce positive alcohol and substance related projects and establish the North West border region as a proactive area in terms of alcohol harm reduction.

For more information on the booklet which will be provided through Derry City Sports Development and selected sports clubs please contact Time IVA Change, Fiona McCann [email protected] or Peter McLaughlin [email protected] at Time IVA Change or telephone 028 71384568.