AQW 17295/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 14/04/2021
Answered On Date: 20/04/2021
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities whether she will request an urgent procedure from the Minister of Health for the immediate reopening of amateur sports and other community clubs for those under 18 years old.

Answer:

The Executive announcement on 15 April has extended the existing easements for sport meaning that from 23 April all amateur outdoor sport training and competitions can resume as long as it is structured through clubs affiliated to recognised sports Governing Bodies or other representative organisations for sport and physical activity.

However numbers for competitive fixtures, including officials, participants, management and support personnel, should be restricted to the minimum number required for the delivery of the event and should not exceed 100.

In addition, the Executive has agreed that from the 30 April, individual indoor activities in gyms, swimming pools and other large venues will be permitted.

These announcements permit structured amateur outdoor sports to re-open for everyone, including young people under 18 years of age.

The return to sport protocols put in place by sports Governing Bodies and representative organisations, should be strictly adhered to including hygiene measures, social distancing, track and trace provision and other mitigations.