5th August 2000

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Northern Ireland's largest cross community event of the summer gets under way this weekend as over hundreds of teenagers from Ireland, North America and Sri Lanka converge on the University of Ulster's Jordanstown campus for the Future Youth Games.

Over 400 15-18yr olds will take part in 13 different activities over 7 fun packed days from the 5th to the 12th of August 2000, participating in a packed programme of sporting and cultural activities, as well as community relations programmes.

The Future Youth games aims to promote the acceptance of cultural diversity between young people of different traditions by promoting co-operation in various educational, sporting and cultural activities. This will be achieved during the week through a series of sports and cultural activity sessions, community relations workshops, and theme day talks by guest speakers.

The theme for this year’s programme is "Dealing with Difference... Making a Difference". Nicola Lynagh, who is co-ordinating the community relations programme of the Games, said, "There are group discussions everyday in which we will explore a range of issues in every group. It is intensive but the whole package means that people can form relationships in an atmosphere of safety and trust".

Internationally-renowned ITN newsman Bill Neeley will officially open the event on Sunday the 6th August. Guests supporting the Future Youth Games cover a wide range of disciplines- from prominent assembly members and Southern Politicians, to top Ulster comedienne Nuala McKeever.

Some of Northern Ireland’s top sportsmen and women are giving their time to make the Games a success. Coaches include Gareth Maguire, (Irish basketball player), Chris Morgan, (Linfield FC), Shane King (Fermanagh Gaelic Footballer) and the founders of the Omagh Cross Community Choir- Daryl Simpson and Declan McKeever who will be coaching the music section of the programme.

They’re offering the young people the chance to hone their existing skills, as well as encourage them to try new activities for the first time.

Organiser Des Jennings said: "By blending expert tuition and coaching with an exploration of personal prejudices, our programme challenges participants on many levels. This is a big experience for the young people. As well as being a fun filled week, I believe the impact of this event will provide long lasting benefits for everyone involved. In a summer that has had its fair share of problems in Northern Ireland, here is an event that everyone can be proud of."

For further information, please contact:

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