SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
The move follows calls from Mr Durkan and Sport NI to secure further funds to assist clubs who were unable to apply to the Sports Hardship Fund first time around.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I am pleased that additional funding has been secured to address the immediate needs of sporting clubs across the North who lost out on the Hardship Fund back in April.
“It is clear that COVID financial support packages for the Sports Sector, while well intentioned and well received have not gone far enough.
“Too many sporting clubs and organisations across the North have fallen through the cracks.
“This compounded by the inability to generate income through the usual channels, from competitions to fundraising campaigns has placed the future of our Sports Sector in real jeopardy.
“I hope that the reopening of the Hardship Fund will help in part to allow clubs to meet their short-term costs.
“However, establishing a long-term recovery plan for the Sector will be crucial to ensure its survival in the months ahead.
“It is important to note the role these clubs have played and will continue to play as we emerge into from this pandemic in terms of helping people reintegrate into the new normal.
“The multitude of benefits sport brings not just to our economy but to people’s physical and mental health, will be immensely important going forward.
“The sporting fraternity have been a lifeline in our communities throughout this crisis, it is important that support is returned.”
