Ballymena Ready for World Police & Fire Games
Ballymena Borough Council in conjunction with Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently hosted a seminar at ecos centre on “Maximising Business during the World Police and Fire Games 2013”.
L-R Chris Wales (Chamber of Commerce), Terry Campbell (Belfast Visitor Convention Bureau), Caroline Adams (Tourist Board), Mayor Alderman PJ McAvoy, Carolyn Boyd (Tourist Board) and Sean Trowlen (World Police and Fire Games)
The Games are awarded to a host city are set to take place in Belfast next year from 1st – 10th August, however some events will be taking place outside the city such as shooting events taking place at Carnview Farms Clay Target Shooting Complex. This will bring 200 competitors and their supporters to Ballymena.
The games are the 3rd largest international multi-sport event in the world. Belfast are confident of attracting 10,000 competitors and 15,000 family members and supporters from over 70 countries. It is estimated the games will inject at least £16m into the local economy.
The seminar was arranged for the benefit of all within the Borough particularly those in the tourism, retail and service sectors to advise of the potential opportunities that the games can bring to all businesses. Speakers included organisers of the WPFG event, Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau. Attendees were given information on providing quality service and how to get involved with the aim of increasing business and ensuring visitors stay in the area for a longer time.
Mayor Ald PJ McAvoy opened the event and said, “We in Ballymena have great self-belief in the ability to deliver first class events. We have a great place with great people, followed by great events, great activities, great attractions, great accommodation and great eateries throughout the Borough. Through The World Police and Fire Games we will endeavour to deliver valuable economic benefit, enhance social and community cohesion, promote Ballymena and showcase the skills of personnel existing among the people of Ballymena”.
The seminar also included the launch of a website designed specifically around the Games by Ballymena Borough Council and Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The website has been designed to inform and attract visitors to the area during the games. The site can be found at www.wpfg2013ireland.com
The new Ballymena-centric WPFG 2013 site
Main photo courtesy of Ballymena Times
