Swim Ulster, along with 7 other National Lottery backed projects, joined together to celebrate three decades of funding in Northern Ireland. The event was hosted in the Long Gallery at Stormont, where Swim Ulster was recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s Iconic Projects. Throughout the afternoon, the Ministers and MLAs came to meet the organisations at their pop-up stands, heard about the impact that the National Lottery has had on their respective organisation, discuss plans for the future of their projects. Joining Swim Ulster at the event were representatives from the Compass Advocacy Network, Eastside Partnership, The Playhouse Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Bangor Courthouse, Divis and the Black Mountain project, and Commonwealth Games NI. Also in attendance at the event were the NI Directors and Chairs of The National Lottery distributors, Arts Council Northern Ireland, The National Lottery Community Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Sport Northern Ireland, as well as representatives from the operator Allwyn, National Lottery retailers and winners.
Speaking about the impact that the National Lottery has made in Northern Ireland, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “National Lottery funding has made a positive and lasting difference to countless lives and so many communities here over the last 30 years. The fact that funding for good causes has reached every postcode area in Northern Ireland, and that almost everyone has benefited from a National Lottery-funded project, reflects the enormity of what has been delivered.”
Stephen Cuddy, Chief Executive of Swim Ulster, commented on the support from National Lottery Funding: “Since 1998, we have received £2 million in National Lottery funding, administered to us by Sport NI, which has made a real difference in helping us grow the sport, support athletes, and improve our systems. This investment has played a key role in making aquatics more accessible, and we’re very grateful for the continued support of the National Lottery in backing Governing Bodies like ours.”
Joining Stephen in the Long Gallery were Phil Kelly, Water Polo Development Officer, and Brenda Dann, Swim Ulster’s Schools & Communities Development Officer. Shortly after the conclusion of the day, Phil Kelly spoke about the event: “From a water polo perspective, it was extra special to have the opportunity to place our sport in front of so many influential people, to be there in person to answer their questions and promote our sport. Thank you to the National Lottery and to SportNI for this wonderful opportunity”.
Brenda also spoke after the event:” It was a privilege to engage with representatives from Allwyn, our MLAs, Sport NI and other organisations, highlighting our efforts to foster participation in swimming among all young people, regardless of background and how we are aiming to promote equality of opportunity and good relations across all of Ulster.”Thank you to The National Lottery and to Sport NI for their continual support in helping grow, develop, and enhance aquatic sports in Northern Ireland.