At the NI Sports Forum AGM at Malone Golf Club on Thursday 16th November, Chairperson Roy Millar stood down after 6 years in the role and a lengthy service to the board. Outgoing Treasurer Richard Johnson has replaced Roy as Chairperson and was very keen to pay tribute the dedication and leadership that the former IFA Technical Director gave to the NI Sports Forum.
“Roy has a long and distinguished career in sport and particularly within football and cricket. As a player, coach and administrator he has shown himself to be passionate about developing sport and physical recreation in Northern Ireland. He has led the NI Sports Forum superbly over the past six years and helped to develop strong relationships with governmental departments and agencies, members and stakeholders which has increased the profile and operations of the NI Sports Forum. We are sure that Roy will continue to support the Forum going forward and offer sincere thanks for his dedicated service.”
New Chairperson Richard Johnson currently sits on the Boards of a number of Northern Ireland based companies including being Finance Director of Johnson’s Coffee and Barry’s Amusements. Richard has been involved with cricket in Ireland for over 45 years including a two year stint as NCU Chairman in 2000 and 2001, two 3-year spells as Chairman of the Cricket Ireland Finance Committee (of which he is still a member) and finally was elected President of Cricket Ireland for the 2011-12 year.
The AGM also saw two other long serving members step down as Rosemary McWhinney and Dr. Richard Brigg’s were replaced by Catherine Quinn and Katrina McCaughan. A former teacher at both Victoria College and Methodist College, Rosemary has a long history of service to hockey, netball and cricket across a wide range of roles. Dr. Richard Briggs has a distinguished career in Judo as both an international player and administrator and is also currently President of the NI Judo Federation.
Catherine Quinn takes on the role of Treasurer and is an accountant with the Department for Economy. Catherine has served on the Ulster Hockey Management Board as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee whilst also being a playing member with CI Ladies Hockey. Having worked within local government for over 12 years, Katrina McCaughan brings vast knowledge and experience to the board in this area and is also Vice-Chairperson of her local camogie club in Ballycastle where she spent her playing career.
An EGM prior to the AGM saw the adoption of a number of proposals to change the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Timeframes for Board Members have been extended to three year terms from two year periods with the maximum of three periods remaining. A number of other changes were made to keep high levels of governance of the NI Sport Forum and their commitment to maintaining best practice.
Guest speaker at the AGM was the Chair of the All Party Group on Sport and Physical Recreation Mike Nesbitt MLA. Mike provided an overview of the current political situation and also provided a very thought provoking address on how sports organisations can make a positive impact across health, education and tourism with a focus on supporting the outcomes of the Programme for Government framework.
NI Sports Forum Annual Report 2016/2017
A full list of board members can be found here
Pictured Above:
Outgoing Chairperson Roy Millar congratulates newly elected Chair Richard Johnson.
Pictured Below
Roy Millar, Mike Nesbitt MLA (Chair of the All Party Group on Sport and Physical Recreation) and Richard Johnson.
