Ulster bring rugby to the heart of the community

The three associations have delivered a range of innovative programmes in support of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure's (DCAL) key objectives surrounding equality and poverty.

GUINNESS PRO12 side Ulster have focussed on participation growth in non-traditional rugby areas and managed to engage over 19,500 people in programmes of the sport for the first time.

This has led to the creation of 18 women's teams and four disability teams as well as gym equipment being installed in 13 venues in deprived areas.

The Irish FA have provided provisions for addressing mental and physical health inequalities, including disability football, while Ulster GAA have put on summer camps, wheelchair hurling and health programmes to address mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "I am extremely proud that DCAL was able to fund this excellent programme, which created many opportunities to deliver social change.

"My highest priority - the most important objective for my department and a key programme for government objective - is to promote equality, tackle poverty and social exclusion; growing the economy and proactively changing patterns of social disadvantage.

"I believe this programme was an excellent example of how my department is contributing to this valuable objective.

"I would like to congratulate the IFA, Ulster Rugby and the Ulster GAA for their major contribution to the successful delivery of this programme and acknowledge that the relations between these three sports are stronger than ever."

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