Volunteers The Key To London Olympic Success In 2012

With the Olympics in London just over 4 years away, Sports Minister Edwin Poots MLA and Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA last week opened a Volunteering @ 2012 Information Seminar.

Speaking at the event in Parliament Buildings at Stormont, Minister Poots said: "Today's event is providing an opportunity to voluntary and community sectors to hear first hand what the opportunities are for volunteering in London and in particular Northern Ireland's plans for volunteering.

"The 2012 games have provided a unique opportunity for Northern Ireland to create and leave a valuable and lasting legacy. Northern Ireland must rise to the challenge and play its part in making the Games the best the world has ever seen and volunteers are key to this success."

The Minister continued: "Sports organizations and clubs in Northern Ireland have over 37,000 volunteers involved in their day to day running. I congratulate all those involved in volunteering; without this support and participation a high percentage of these clubs could not operate. I hope everyone will be inspired today to work with their relevant sectors to ensure that Northern Ireland reaps the benefits that the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games have to offer.

"My department is coordinating this work through the development of the NI Olympic Strategy which focuses on volunteering, culture, business, tourism, education and skills, health and very clearly sport. Underpinning each of these is the legacy that is created."

Also speaking at the event, Minister Ritchie said: "Volunteering has a profound effect on us, our children, our families and friends. It is a cornerstone of our society. It is the lifeblood of our communities and often a lifeline to the vulnerable.

"My department, the Department for Social Development, has lead responsibility for volunteering in Northern Ireland. There are over 280,000 formal volunteers and over 470,000 informal volunteers. Formal volunteers alone make an economic contribution estimated to be worth over £500million each year. My department already provides funding to the Volunteer Development Agency and to a network of volunteer centers in the North.