With the first competitiors arriving in a matter of days it seems that everyone is talking about the Championships, here is what they have been saying:
“This is great news for sport in Northern Ireland, and a wonderful chance for the public to see world class sport in the province.
With free entry for spectators, the event promises to be great entertainment and is also a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of fencing and increase participation in the sport, particularly in the run up to London 2012.”
- Jonathan Edwards, Deputy Chair of the London 2012 Nations and Regions Group
“Once again Belfast is demonstrating its ability to host a major, world class sporting occasion, bringing positive economic benefit to our City”
- The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tom Hartley
“It is an honour for Northern Ireland to host the Fencing Championships and I look forward to welcoming all the teams for this international event.
Northern Ireland is fast becoming a thriving sporting hub which offers excellent facilities such as those at the University of Ulster at Jordanstown.
Hosting International sporting events is one of the best ways of showing the world what Northern Ireland has to offer. I would be hopeful that some of the young competitors taking part in these Championships will qualify for the Olympic Games and the people of Northern Ireland could be welcoming them back for pre-games training in 2012.”
- Sports Minister, Gregory Campbell
Photo courtesy of Denise Wilson