Council pleased to be a part of the World Police & Fire Games

These events are Surfing, Surf Kayaking and the fast moving Beach Volleyball; these are all taking place in Portrush from August 6th to 8th.

The World Police and Fire Games is the third largest international multi-sport event in the world and will be the largest ever sporting event to take place in Northern Ireland. It is free to anyone wishing to come along to watch, and the Council is appealing to everyone to support these amazing competitors with events located at one of the North Coast’s finest beaches.

Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor David Harding said: “The World Police and Fire Games will provide a major economic boost for Northern Ireland and in particular Portrush, generating much needed revenue for the service sector including hotels, restaurants, shops and visitor attractions. It will provide further evidence of Northern Ireland’s ability to organise and host major events, helping with future bids for similar sized events.

“Coleraine Borough Council is no stranger to these high profile occasions, following on from last year’s Olympic Torch events, the Irish Open Golf Tournament and high profile visits to the area.

“Competitors in these three beach related events will be coming from all over the world, with competitors confirmed from as far away as Russia, Brazil, Singapore, America, Hong Kong and New Zealand, to compliment the contenders from Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Both male and female competitors will participate in each sporting discipline, all looking forward to their trip to the North Coast, and I would encourage everyone to come out in support of this great event and give our international visitors a great big North Coast welcome’’.

There will be lots on offer for spectators, with food and merchandise concessions available onsite at the East Strand beach in Portrush. It is recommended that supporters come early to avail of parking within East Strand car park. However, once the East Strand car park reaches capacity there are a number of other car parks located throughout Portrush which are within easy walking distance to the site.

Coleraine Borough Council would also like to advise the public that in order to facilitate the World Police and Fire Games at East Strand, they will be closing an area of the East Strand Beach. This impacted area will be the beach in front of the Watersports Centre. However there should be minimal restrictions to the beach directly east of the sports arena area, so residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the rest of the Curran Strand. For information on facilities in Portrush, contact the Tourist Information office in Coleraine or Portrush, 028 7082 3333.