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ROYAL SUPPORT FOR BELFAST ACTIVITY CENTRE

Thursday 25 February 2010

The Royal visit marked the launch of BAC’s Boat House at Shaw’s Bridge, and a showcase of the Centre’s ground breaking Greater Shankill Youth Build programme.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh who was visiting in his capacity as Trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, began his visit with a tour of the BAC Boat House where he met young paddlers on the River Lagan and was presented with a hand crafted paddle. The Boat House, which was completed in April 2009 thanks to significant investment from Sport NI, DCAL and the Better Belfast Scheme, is providing increased access to paddle sport on the River Lagan and has seen a 200% increase in youth participation on the water since its development.

 The visit then moved up to Belfast Activity Centre where BAC staff conducted a guided tour of the Adventure Learning Park (ALP), allowing His Royal Highness to witness Young people caving, climbing and in action on a high ropes course.  Young people from right across Belfast were present at the event with a focus on young people participating in the Greater Shankill Youth Build Project.  This project, funded by the Department of Social Development, has been running since January 2009 and has worked with almost 1,000 children, young people and leaders across the Greater Shankill area.  Participants have the opportunity to engage in a range of activities and personal development focussed programmes - the overarching aim of the project is to develop Citizenship and positive leadership along with improved relations across the Greater Shankill by sharing resources and finding common ground. 

Centre Director Stephen Dickson commented on the visit: “We are delighted to welcome His Royal Highness back to Belfast Activity Centre for this show case event.  Today has been a great opportunity to demonstrate partnerships working positively. In partnership with Sport NI, DCAL and Better Belfast we have delivered a state of the art Boat House which is a legacy to the people of Belfast making paddle sport accessible to all and breathing life into the Lagan.  With Youth Build funded by DSD and BRO, BAC have developed grass roots partnerships with some of the most dynamic Youth development organisations to bring opportunity to very deserving young people. I would like to thank His Royal Highnessfor showing such interest in the young people using the Boat House and participating in the Youth Build project, it gives real encouragement to them, our dedicated staff, volunteers and of course our funders.”

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