The NI Sports Forum welcomes yesterday’s NI Executive’s announcement on a number of relaxations to the current COVID-19 restrictions, which will take place over the coming weeks.
Since some activities resumed on April 1st it we have seen first-hand the positive impact the return of sport and physical activity is having on club members and participants. With further events and activities permitted from Friday 23th April and Friday 30th April, many different sporting organisations can now prepare for the further resumption of activities.
The current pandemic has been particularly difficult for indoor sports organisations and their members. Many traditional indoor sports have been dynamic in their operations to pivot towards some outdoor activity and we commend them for this. With an indicative date for their return from 24th May, indoor sports can now see some light at the end of a long tunnel.
As stated over the last year, sports organisations, clubs and facility providers have put in place robust protocols to ensure that sport continues to be a safe environment. It is vitally important that this compliance from the sporting sector and members continues so that we are able to get back to full activity in the months ahead.
Permitted Activity:
From April 23:
- Outdoor sport organised by a club, individual or individuals affiliated will be extended to include squad training;
- Competitive outdoor sport organised by a club, individual or individuals affiliated, with participant numbers not exceeding 100 and no spectators permitted can return and
From 30 April:
- Permit individual activities in gyms, swimming pools and other large venues – including with a carer and to allow 1-2-1 training/coaching with social distancing.
An indicative date of May 24 for:
- Resume indoor group exercise and training in numbers limited to suit the venue.