“A Game of 3 Halves” in Northern Ireland

Trainers at the Game of 3 Halves launch. Photo by Press Eye, courtesy of Ulster Rugby.

Last weekend, Northern Ireland’s three most prominent sporting bodies – Ulster Rugby, Ulster Council GAA, and Irish Football Association – teamed up with PeacePlayers International – Northern Ireland to launch “A Game of 3 Halves,” an initiative to introduce Belfast’s youngsters to all that each of three sports associated has to offer. Ulster Rugby has more:

The concept was first developed by Paul Brown, Youth Co-ordinator at Knock Presbyterian Church, together with PeacePlayers International as a cross-community initiative which would bring the three governing bodies together and offer children from both sides of the community the chance to experience Rugby, Gaelic and Soccer.

Each governing body invited young people from local primary schools with whom they have formed lasting relationships over the years, and throughout the day participants received top class coaching from Development Officers from all three sports.

In a region where sports have traditionally been inextricable from politics, this initiative is a very important step forward in the long process of building cross-communal trust and mutual understanding. Stay tuned for more!