Following the meeting, Minister Lyons said: “It was great to meet my counterparts from other parts of the UK and to share our vision for sport into the future. As the Minister responsible for all sport in Northern Ireland, I am keen to increase any opportunities for more people to get active and participate in a range of sports. I am particularly interested in widening the participation prospects for women and girls, and for those with disabilities, in sport across all levels.”
The Inter-Ministerial Group on Sport is attended by Sports Council Chairs along with other senior officials and provides a chance to take forward areas of mutual interest. The Group were also able to take in some of the World Athletics Championships currently taking place at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow – an opportunity to watch dedicated athletes performing at the pinnacle of their sport.
Minister Lyons added: “Of particular interest was a discussion around funding for grassroots sports and I look forward to continuing the conversation with the UK Sports Minister Stuart Andrew MP as he visits Northern Ireland next week.”