NI Eurofans visit Enniskillen

With the support of EU PEACE III funding, the NI Eurofan’s team participated in a residential in Enniskillen over the weekend.

The team, made up of local football fans, will be heading to Ukraine in June to participate in the Eurofan’s Football Tournament, as well as volunteering their time to visit and support a local orphanage bringing much needed aid.
During their weekend residential, the team participated in ‘Football for All’ workshops delivered by Michael Boyd and Claire Adams, looking at the project, the resources available, and their role as FFA Ambassadors. The team are also developing a NI Eurofan’s Charter with the support of FFA, which will outline their role on the team as well as a code of conduct. There was chance for some team building and communications work during activities at the Share Centre, which encouraged the team to work together off the pitch as well as on it.
John Bell, from the Institute of Conflict Research, held a focus group with the team as part of the research for a new Football For All Fan’s Strategy being developed in association with NI football fans. This gave participants a chance to share their opinions and views of football culture in Northern Ireland in a safe and productive environment, assisting in the contribution to the strategy.
Michael Boyd, Head of Community Relations at the IFA said, “Football For All is all about listening to Fans and engaging with Fans on meaningful projects which make a difference. We are proud to support the NI Euro Fans team and thank them for their support promoting the Football For All message of respect for diversity”.
Fans who participated in the FFA residential added:
- “The activities were very good at helping with communication and got everyone in the group working together”
- “We needed to have good team building activities before Ukraine – this helped a lot”
- “It made me think more about things before I act on them”
- “Great for making people work as a team off the pitch as well as on it”
If you would like more information about this group or their trip to Ukraine, please get in touch with Claire Adams – 028 90688425.
This project has been supported by the EU PEACE III programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body – www.seupb.eu

http://www.irishfa.com/news/item/8313/northern-ireland-eurofans-team/
 

Belmore Court shortlisted in NI Tourism awards for 4th year running

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is delighted to reveal the shortlist for the 2013 Northern Ireland Tourism Awards, in association with Diageo NI. These coveted awards recognise the outstanding performers in the tourism industry.
The shortlisted finalists in alphabetical order are:

Balloo House
Belfast Zoo
Belmore Court
Chesnetnutt Holiday Parks
Circuit of Ireland Rally
City of Derry Airport
Clandeboye Lodge
Cruise Belfast - Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau
Dromard House
Dundrum Inn
Fermanagh Self Catering
Fools Haven
Galgorm Resort and Spa
Giants Causeway Visitor Centre
Hillsborough Oyster Festival
Holiday Inn Express Antrim
Merchant Hotel
NW Academy
Portrush Regeneration-The Irish Open Legacy
Rayanne House
Slieve Gullion Forest Adventure Project- Newry & Mourne District Council
Tara Lodge
The Brewer's House
The Irish Open -The European Tour
The Kitchen Bar
The MAC
Titanic Belfast
Vauxhall International North West 200
Walsh's Hotel

A panel of judges shortlisted the entries to 31, and the winners will be announced at a gala ceremony to be held on Thursday 30 May at Belfast's Waterfront Hall. There is an extra edge to the ceremony this year as it will reflect the successes and achievements of the
ni2012 Our Time, Our Place campaign, which is widely acknowledged as having moved tourism in Northern Ireland to a new level in terms of profile, economic impact and self-belief. Commenting on the shortlist, Laura McCorry, NITB Corporate Development Director said: “We are delighted with the calibre of entry for this year’s Northern Ireland Tourism Awards, which are the highlight of the tourism calendar. The awards recognise the hard work and achievements of the people in the industry, and encourage the delivery of quality and excellence for our visitors."This year marks the 35th running of the awards ceremony and in recognising the significance of the
landmark year for tourism the NITB has introduced a new category for Best ni2012 Initiative. "The NITB congratulates all those who have been shortlisted across all of the categories and we encourage everyone in the industry to join us in what will be a wonderful night of rewarding excellence and celebrating achievements.”

There are 11 award categories in total including an Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award, to be conferred at this year's ceremony. Gemma Bell, Corporate Relations, Diageo Northern Ireland said: “Through the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards Diageo is committed to supporting the industry to deliver excellent hospitality as well as innovative events. Both are integral to a thriving tourism industry and the success of the local economy.

"Each year the standard of shortlisted entries continue to rise. In the light of ni2012 this year is no exception. The commitment and passion demonstrated by those working in the industry is highly commendable and very evident in the shortlist again this year.”
Tickets for the event are available from www.nitourismawards.com or telephone 028 90 446292.