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15/05/2009
North West 200 'Carnival' Praised
The family-orientated atmosphere of the famous motorcycle road race, the North West 200 has come in for high-level praise.
Stormont Sports Minister Gregory Campbell (pictured) is to join thousands of fans to enjoy "the carnival atmosphere and excitement" at the North West 200 main race day on Saturday.
"It is the magnificent achievements of all the riders, organisers and volunteers that have made the North West 200 an international success and enabled it to grow year on year to reach this milestone 80th birthday," he commented.
Since its inception in 1929 the North West 200 has grown into one of the fastest road races in the world, attracting over 150,000 visitors from home and abroad and generating over £7million for Northern Ireland's economy.
The Minister continued: "Over the years my Department has demonstrated its commitment to making this event a success through the provision of funding.
"In 2007 my predecessor, Edwin Poots MLA, announced funding of £150,000 to help improve safety at the circuit.
"This was followed by an additional £100,000 which was aimed specifically at upgrading safety at various motor sport circuits throughout Northern Ireland. The North West 200 was allocated £34,855 of this money.
"In 2008, my Department awarded the Coleraine & District Motorcycle Club £175,000 over a three year period to contribute towards the cost of employing a Business Development and Operations Manager, and also developing the organisation's web-presence," he continued, noting that, a further £100,000 in funding through Sport NI helped the organisers resurface the paddock area.
A successful application in 2009 also led to further funding of £45,000 to support the introduction of two new marketing campaigns.
With an eye on safety, especially after last year's tragic fatality and this year's practice-session injury of a rider - who remains in critical condition - the Minister concluded: "I send my best wishes to all the riders and hope everyone has a safe race."
See: Crash Mars Start Of North West 200
Stormont Sports Minister Gregory Campbell (pictured) is to join thousands of fans to enjoy "the carnival atmosphere and excitement" at the North West 200 main race day on Saturday.
"It is the magnificent achievements of all the riders, organisers and volunteers that have made the North West 200 an international success and enabled it to grow year on year to reach this milestone 80th birthday," he commented.
Since its inception in 1929 the North West 200 has grown into one of the fastest road races in the world, attracting over 150,000 visitors from home and abroad and generating over £7million for Northern Ireland's economy.
The Minister continued: "Over the years my Department has demonstrated its commitment to making this event a success through the provision of funding.
"In 2007 my predecessor, Edwin Poots MLA, announced funding of £150,000 to help improve safety at the circuit.
"This was followed by an additional £100,000 which was aimed specifically at upgrading safety at various motor sport circuits throughout Northern Ireland. The North West 200 was allocated £34,855 of this money.
"In 2008, my Department awarded the Coleraine & District Motorcycle Club £175,000 over a three year period to contribute towards the cost of employing a Business Development and Operations Manager, and also developing the organisation's web-presence," he continued, noting that, a further £100,000 in funding through Sport NI helped the organisers resurface the paddock area.
A successful application in 2009 also led to further funding of £45,000 to support the introduction of two new marketing campaigns.
With an eye on safety, especially after last year's tragic fatality and this year's practice-session injury of a rider - who remains in critical condition - the Minister concluded: "I send my best wishes to all the riders and hope everyone has a safe race."
See: Crash Mars Start Of North West 200
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