Sports Minister Edwin Poots MLA has opened the new £863,848 synthetic pitch and sports pavilion at Erne Integrated College, funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

Speaking at the official opening on Friday Mr Poots said: "Having the best possible sporting facilities encourages participation in sport, improves the fitness of our children and provides a communal sports area for use by both the school and the local community.

"This new pitch has provided a much needed all weather facility to enhance the College's PE and sports provisions, both curricular and extra-curricular. The additional changing facility ensures that the pupils have a central location for outdoor PE."

After school hours the pitch and pavilion can be hired by other sports clubs and community or youth groups, with bookings up to six months in advance.

It is hoped the announcement of the draft sports strategy will ensure sport is placed on a clear and sound footing for the future. Minister Poots said sport in Northern Ireland is 'facing major challenges and significant difficulties'. Evidence suggests the participation rates are amongst the lowest in the UK and that many of our sporting facilities require substantial development and modernisation.

(GK/JM)