At the Northern Ireland Sports Forum AGM on Monday 3rd November, Chairman Roy Millar MBE congratulated, teams and individuals on their sporting achievements of the past 12 months. Roy paid tribute to the NI Commonwealth Games team for not only their medals successes but also to those teams such as the Netballers who reached new heights and thanked their coaches and administrators for their support which would not make these successes possible. Individual feats from Kelly Gallagher, Carl Frampton, Rory McIlroy, and AP McCoy along with the successes of the Chambers brothers, Irish Rugby team and the Ryder Cup team were also highlighted.
The former Technical Director of the IFA also praised the achievements of governing bodies of sport in Northern Ireland for the impact they have made and also highlighted the challenges facing the NISF and member organisations going forward. In a current unstable financial climate, Millar said that ‘the Sports Forum and its members must make government aware of the positive impact sport has on society and the economy and be proactive in making our political parties understand the benefits of ensuring sufficient funds for the development of sport and our local communities’.
Guest speaker, Trevor Ringland MBE evidenced how sport has made an impact across areas of Northern Ireland in creating a peaceful society. As Chairman of the Peace Players NI Board, the former British & Irish Lions Rugby player highlighted how interface areas are using sport to unite communities for the future generation. Ringland urged sports organisations to share ideas and facilities to help overcome society issues for the betterment of local communities.
At the AGM, Ashley Hunter of the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland joined the Board of the NISF and replaces Ken Armstrong who has stood down from the Board after 3 years as a representative of the Irish Indoor Bowls Association. Ashley is currently the Development Manager for CANI. Chairman Roy Millar took the opportunity to thank Ken Armstrong which saw him contribute since 2011, particularly in the area of rates relief for amateur sports clubs.
Chairman Roy Millar thanked Katie Nixon for her contribution to the development of the NISF Forum over her 5 years as Executive Manager and wished her all the best in her career with the Lawn Tennis Association and was grateful to the support of fellow Board members which has seen the Sports Forum grow from strength to strength.
Pictured Above- The Northern Ireland Sports Forum Board- 2014/2015- Back L-R Ashley Hunter, Ken Strong, Rosemary McWhinney, Richard Briggs, Angela Platt- Front, Richard Johnson (Treasurer), Gordon Reid (Vice Chair) Roy Millar MBE (Chairman) Ken Nixon (Company Secretary).