Cross-community project forging friendships through sports
A cross-community youth project is continuing to foster friendship through sports after a recent visit to Armagh’s Athletic Grounds.
Interlink Youth Initiative, a joint programme by Drumgor Detached Youth Project and Edgarstown Residents Association, offered three months of sports tournaments and cultural visits after receiving a £4,917 grant from the Housing Executive.
Barry McCrory, Chairperson of Drumgor Detached Youth Project, said: “Working closely with Edgarstown Residents’ Association, our project nurtures positive relationships between our young people that will last far into the future.
“We’ve achieved this by bringing young people together through regular tournaments in a variety of sports, like football, darts and basketball.
“Through this project the young people involved have made firm friendships and developed a stronger sense of unity between our communities which has been great to see.”
Ryan Knipe, from Edgarstown Residents’ Association, added: “Our comprehensive programme also included a series of a cultural visits, like this one to Armagh’s Athletic Grounds.
“As well as tours of other sports grounds we organised visits to peace walls to encourage a cultural exchange and a chance for the young people to learn from each other.
“Additional clean-up drives and charity events involving the young people also had a hugely positive impact and taught them the importance of community.
“Thank you to the Housing Executive for providing the funding which has allowed us to facilitate this project.”
Michelle Hazlett, Good Relations Officer at the Housing Executive, said: “Projects like Interlink Youth Initiative help build better, more cohesive, communities and we’re proud to support the hard work of all involved.
“Young people who took part in this programme have had the opportunity to forge friendships which will have a lasting impact.”