Sport NI to reveal plans for big return

THE return of all sport at every level will today take a step forward with the publication of a key document by Sport Northern Ireland.

Sport NI will outline a framework to dovetail with the Northern Ireland Executive’s five-step plan for the easing of the current lockdown.

Golf has already taken the first tentative step back to normality but this Sport NI guide will set out the manner in which there will be a return for all sports and physical recreation, including training and competitions.

Antoinette Mckeown, Sport NI CEO (inset), said: “There is a huge appetite across sports, athletes, coaches, fans and spectators, to return to sport and many sports are actively planning how to implement the first step on this pathway. Sport

NI’S Framework aims to facilitate that and acts as an important bridge between the NI Executive’s document and the more detailed protocols that sports will need to develop on an individual basis.

“We commend the leadership which sports have already shown in responding to Covid-19 and recognise that, through responsible actions within each phase and at each of the five steps of the Executive’s pathway to recovery, all sport participants can play their part in gradually and safely transitioning NI towards a new type of normality.”

The Minister for Communities Deirdre Hargey also stated: “I welcome the publication of Sport NI’S Framework Guide which will help our sports organisations to return to activity in the safest way possible as they follow the Executive’s five Step Plan.”