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Launch, 28-05-10

Carrickfergus RFC launch CROP

 

Carrickfergus Rugby Football Club officially launched its CRFC Rugby Outreach Programme (CROP) at 12 noon on Friday 28 May 2010 in the clubhouse, Woodlawn. CROP is part financed by the European Union’s PEACE III Programme managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the CAN Peace III Partnership. This is the first time the Club has secured PEACE III funding.

 

Part of the Play Fair Programme, CROP aims to increase the level and diversity of access to the Club’s facilities, providing a safe and secure environment. It further aims to build an environment of trust, tolerance and respect, tackling sectarianism and racism and further promoting and contributing to reconciliation and positive community relations.

 

 Speaking on behalf of the Club, Senior Vice President John Strange said,

 

“Planning for this programme began over a year ago, and the club is delighted to be launching CROP today.

 

At CRFC, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to take part in rugby, irrespective of ability, religion, gender, age or economic circumstance. The club recognizes that the best values of sport, such as respect for your opponent, fair play, team work and the adherence to a set of rules can help young people to build values and skill sets that will help to act positively to break down attitudinal barriers.”

At the launch, The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Ms Patricia McKinney added: “I congratulate the Club on securing Peace III funding for the first time and wish it continued success”

 
Chris Davis, the Housing Executive’s Community Cohesion Officer for the East Antrim Area, said:

 

“The Housing Executive warmly welcomes this new initiative and commends Carrick Rugby Club for opening their club to the wider Carrickfergus community. This programme perfectly compliments the work the Housing Executive is undertaking in our Shared Neighbourhood Programme in Windmill and we very much look forward to working together with Carrick Rugby Club to deliver events that will develop a shared agenda for the benefit of everyone in our community.”

 

The project will see the appointment of a Community Rugby Officer (CRO) who will work closely with the local schools and community. Both cross community and cross border activites are planned. A series of a ‘A Game of Three Halves’ are in the planning stage for the summer months. The club will also be hosting workshops, seminars and training sessions along sports and diversity themes as part of its Community Education Programme within CROP.