Sinn Féin MLA Sinead Ennis has welcomed the reopening of the Sports Hardship Fund by Communities Minister Carál Ni Chuilin.

Speaking the Sinn Féin spokesperson on Culture, Arts and Sports said:

“Coivd19 has been detrimental to many sectors within our society and during the pandemic our sports clubs have faced their own particular set of difficult challenges.

“The establishment of a Sports Hardship Fund by Minister Hargey has already provided financial assistance to over 600 sports clubs.

“I welcome the announcement today by Communities Minister Carál Ni Chuilin that a further £2,000,000 has been set aside to reopen the Sports Hardship Fund.

“Sports clubs across the North are to be commended for the role that they have played during the pandemic, many have been absolutely pivotal in providing support for communities and vulnerable residents.

“The pandemic has shown many sports clubs to be the heartbeat of communities.

“The reopening of this support fund will not only assist clubs to pay bills at a time of limited revenue generating opportunities, but also to implement social distancing and PPE measures in preparation for the return of spectators.”