UU's £20m Sports Facility Opened By Medal Winning Coe

The University of Ulster’s new 'world-class' £20m sports facilities have been officially opened at its Jordanstown campus.

On hand to officiate at the event was double Olympic gold medallist Sebastian Coe.

Lord Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) said: "Opening the University of Ulster's new sports centre is a hugely exciting opportunity. The range of elite and community services it provides are extensive, and will without a doubt lead the effort in Northern Ireland to encourage sports participation at all levels.

"The university has been successful in gaining an entry into the Pre-Games Training Camp Guide and the new sports centre is a core part of their offer to teams looking to base themselves in the UK prior to competition in 2012.”


The facility, which is jointly funded by the University of Ulster and Sport Northern Ireland's Lottery Fund, is also home to the Sports Institute Northern Ireland.

University of Ulster Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Barnett said: "The development of the multi-million pound centre has once again shown the University’s commitment to developing its vision of becoming the leading university for sport on the island of Ireland.

The 6,000 sq metre sports facility has already shown its international pedigree as a training venue for Irish Olympic bronze medallist Paddy Barnes, Paralympic gold medallists Michael McKillop and Jason Smyth, and Northern Ireland representative teams at all age levels across all sports.

Eamonn McCartan, Chief Executive of Sport NI, said: "The completion of this £20 million facility signals a new and exciting phase in the development of the Sports Institute Northern Ireland."

Sports Minister Gregory Campbell said: "This world class facility will be a huge benefit to Northern Ireland athletes in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and beyond. For Olympic teams from visiting countries choosing to train in Northern Ireland, it will provide excellent pre-games facilities prior to the 2012 Games."

(PR)