Down District venues are part of major sports event in 2013

Down District venues are part of major sports event in 2013

THE official countdown is underway for the 2013 World Police and Fire Games, which will make use of a number of local host venues.

Sixty-six sports will be represented at the games, which will run from August 1 to 10 next year. Belfast is the host city, with the biennial games expected to attract 10,000 competitors and a further 15,000 visitors from over 70 countries to Northern Ireland.

WPFG is the third largest international multi-sport event in the world after the Olympics and the World Masters and the event was last held in New York.

Locally, Ballykinler Training Centre will host biathlon, rifle, large bore, rifle, small bore, SWAT and pistol events throughout the 10 days.

Donard Park, Newcastle will host mountain running on August 3, Tollymore National Outdoor Centre will host orienteering between August 5 and 9, Rostrevor Forest/Kilbroney Park will host mountain biking between August 2 and 4 and Castlewellan Lake will host Canoe Sprint from August 2 to 4.

The full sports schedule is now online at www.2013wpfg.com/2013-sports. Organisers are hoping to attract over 3,500 volunteers and announce a comprehensive schools’ programme.

Sports Minister Carál Ni Chuilín said it was an “exciting time” for Northern Ireland.

“There is now a real sense of anticipation building around the games,” she said. “I have no doubt next year’s World Police and Fire Games will be a landmark event which will once again demonstrate all that this part of Ireland has to offer.

The benefits the Games will bring should not be underestimated — 10,000 competitors will arrive here next year over the 10 days of the games, bringing with them an additional 15,000 visitors. It will hopefully create a £20m boost for the local economy.”