Ready Steady Go Belfast prepares to welcome the World Police Fire Games

30 July 2013

-Winning welcome awaits 2013 games

Businesses across Belfast are busy making final preparations to welcome thousands of athletes from 67 countries who are visiting the city for this year’s World Police & Fire Games, it was announced today.

 

The 10-day tournament officially gets under way on Thursday August 1st with the opening ceremony at the King’s Hall.

 

Visit Belfast, the city’s tourism marketing organisation, said the World Police and Fire Games, the third-largest multi-sports event in the Word, represents yet another strong and unrivalled opportunity for Belfast to promote itself globally.

 

Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive of Visit Belfast, said:

 

“We’re excited that Belfast is hosting another global event which will bring people from over 60 countries to the city over the next two weeks.  Belfast is renowned for its welcome and we’re confident competitors, their friends and families will see Belfast at its best when they are here. 

 

“Retailers, bars, restaurants and visitor attractions across the city are pulling out the stops to welcome all our visitors, with a wealth of special deals and promotions for competitors, visitors and locals alike.

 

“Belfast will be buzzing with Games’ participants, family and friends as well as 9,000 cruise visitors arriving into the city during the Games.  This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone in the city to join in on the fun, watch the Games’ events and help deliver the friendliest games ever.”

 

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA), said the World Police and Fire Games tournament would provide a welcome boost for the city.

 

“Few cities in the world get the chance to host such a prestigious, sporting event bringing with it the opportunity to welcome thousands of visitors.  I’m delighted to get behind it and I’m thrilled that retailers across Belfast are on board.”

 

Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Pubs of Ulster, which represents many of Belfast’s pubs, bars, café-bars, hotels and restaurants, said:

 

“Northern Ireland is known for great hospitality, the best food and drink and the warmest of welcomes. At Pubs of Ulster, we’re 100% behind the games and we look forward to making sure they’re the world’s best yet.”

 

Hosted at venues across Belfast and Northern Ireland the majority of Games’ events are open to the public and free to watch.  For more information visit the www.visit-belfast.com, 2013wpfg.com or get all the latest updates on #2013wpfg.