SOME OF South Belfast’s most popular sporting facilities have made the list of venues to be used at the World Police and Fire Games. The games, which will take place from 1st to 10th August 2013, are anticipated to welcome around 10,000 competitors and an additional 15,000 friends and family for the 10-day event and is one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

Queen’s sporting facilities, Malone Golf Club and the Mary Peters Athletics Track are some of the local venues that are proposed for the games.

Queens Upper Malone complex will host events such as gaelic football, soccer and rugby.

Liz McLaughlin, Head of Sports at Queens said:  “Queen’s is fast becoming a premier sporting destination for all sports.

“Upper Malone is the only facility in the UK and Ireland that showcases the sports of rugby, gaelic games and soccer on one single platform.

“We are looking forward to the commencement of the games next summer. They will be a great boost for the local area and the city of Belfast.”

John Tully, Chief Executive 2013 WPFG said,  “We are delighted that following the Federation’s visit last month we now have a list of 41 preferred venues for next year’s Games. Indeed the Federation Directors were extremely impressed by the range and quality of our facilities and share our confidence that Northern Ireland will deliver the most successful and the friendliest games ever.”

Carál Ní Chuilín, Minister of Culture, Arts & Leisure said, “The Games will be the biggest sporting event ever held in this part of Ireland.  While this is a tremendous opportunity for tourism, there will also be other economic benefits for the areas hosting the 66 events”

Serving and retired sworn officers are eligible to compete, including police, fire and prison officers, customs and excise staff and coastguard staff.