BOWLS TOURNAMENT RETURNS TO BELFAST

SPORTS Minister, Michael McGimpsey has hailed the return of a major bowling tournament to Belfast as a step along the road to establishing Northern Ireland as an attractive venue for top events.

Speaking at Belmont Bowling Club in Belfast, while officially opening the British Isles Bowls Championships and International Series, the Minister welcomed competitors and visitors from England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Ireland.

Mr McGimpsey said: "I am delighted to see this prestigious bowling tournament back in Belfast after a gap of more than 30 years. The return of such an event to our capital city is good news for everyone in Northern Ireland and is further evidence that this Province retains the capacity to project a positive rather than a negative image.

"This particular competition is the latest in a number of major sports events to come to Northern Ireland. In January, the World Bowls Players Championship was held here for the first time and just last month we hosted the Senior Amateur World Boxing Championships at our flagship venue, the Odyssey Arena. Big names from the world of show business have also shown their willingness to perform here and this has given everyone in Northern Ireland a terrific psychological boost as well the opportunity to enjoy top class sport and entertainment once more. This is something I want to preserve."

The Minister, who was welcomed to Belmont by the current President of the British Isles Bowls Council, Houston McBride, praised the organisers of the Championships and wished everyone an enjoyable and successful event.

The British Isles Bowls Championships tournament takes place from 2 to 6 July at the Belmont Bowling Club in Belfast.

(SP)