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£2.6m sports facility opens in Downpatrick
Northern Ireland sports minister Nelson McCausland and social development minister Alex Attwood have unveiled a new £2.6m sports facility in Downpatrick.
The Ballymote Sports and Wellbeing Centre includes a four-court sports hall; a boxing and fitness area; and a youth facility. Funding has come from Sport Northern Ireland; the Department of Social Development; South Eastern Trust; and the South Eastern Education and Library Board.
Down District Council has also contributed towards the cost of the centre, which forms the second phase of a £4m scheme to upgrade facilities for Downpatrick residents. McCausland said: "The centre will provide opportunities for people of all ages and levels of ability, to participle in sport and physical recreation.
"It is a well known fact that sport improves health and wellbeing and the location of this centre will also help to enhance a sense of community pride and belonging." Image (from left): MP Margaret Ritchie; Councillor Eamonn O'Neill; Alex Attwood; and Nelson McCausland