21st October 1997

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A Partnership between the University of Ulster and the Institute of International Sport is being launched today which will bring young people together from across the political and cultural divide to participate in sporting and cultural activities.

The Partnership between the University of Ulster and the Institute of International Sport (based in the University of Rhode Island, USA) will build on an existing relationship by which the University has, since 1996, provided office space for the Institute.

The University's new role will be to provide expertise and coaches (often University degree students) as well as hosting the 1998 Future Youth Games where 500 young people from Northern Ireland and the Republic, Europe and the USA will come together to celebrate cultural diversity.

Said Mr Ken Smyth, the co-ordinator for Ireland's Scholar-Athlete Games based at the University:

"This programme uses the medium of sport to bring young people together. One element of the programme is for the participants to discuss issues such as prejudice, discrimination and sectarianism. We bring in trained facilitators to help the process and we believe that these activities can create greater understanding between people.

We also feel that it is helpful for young people to see what the University of Ulster has to offer in terms of career opportunities."

Some of the participants to the programme return to the University to further their education. Catherine Caldwell, a 1st year student in Sport and Leisure attended the 1994 and 1995 Scholar-Athlete Games at Jordanstown. She found it a worthwhile experience:

"During the programmes I had the opportunity to mix with and learn from people from different cultures and countries while being introduced to a wide range of sporting and cultural activities. I was lucky to make new friends who I still keep in contact with. Coming to Jordanstown, seeing and using the facilities, encouraged me to apply to the University for the Sport and Leisure course."

The Partnership is funded by the CRC, European Peace and Reconciliation Fund, district councils, Making Belfast Work and will include a student exchange programme between the University and the University of Rhode Island.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk