On Friday evening as violence erupted in Belfast city centre, 100 children from various backgrounds came together at Seaview Stadium to play rugby, soccer and Gaelic football at the Belfast Interface Games.
The flagship event, organised by Peaceplayers International (NI) in partnership with Ulster Rugby, Ulster GAA, and the Irish FA, allowed 9-13 year olds from North, South, East and West Belfast to participate in the three sports during a ‘Game of Three Halves’.
The kids were joined on the evening by Ulster Rugby stars Nick Williams and Neil McComb, as well as Monaghan GAA player Drew Wylie who all got involved and passed on tips to the youngsters.
The initiative aims to promote respect for diversity in a fun and safe environment while introducing young people to the three different sports.
This project is supported under the Belfast PEACE III Plan by the European Union’s ‘European Regional Development Fund’ through the PEACE III Programme administered by Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Partnership.
It is a one of an increasing number of joint good relations events being held by Ulster Rugby, the GAA and the IFA.
IMAGE CAPTIONS:
West Belfast: Kids from West Belfast are pictured with Barry Willis, Ulster Rugby’s Community Rugby Manager (far left) and Neill Alcorn, Ulster Rugby Community Rugby Coach (far right) at the Belfast Interface Games Flagship event at Seaview on Friday evening
East Belfast: Kids from East Belfast are pictured with Ulster Rugby stars Nick Williams (back left) and Neil McComb (back centre) at the Belfast Interface Games Flagship event at Seaview on Friday evening
West & East Belfast: Kids from West (white) and East (blue) are pictured with Ulster Rugby stars Nick Williams and Neil McComb, as well as Community Rugby Coach Alasdair McKee, at the Belfast Interface Games Flagship event at Seaview on Friday evening
