Act now for 2012 success

Ulster Unionist East Antrim MLA Ken Robinson, a member of the Assembly Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure, has said that Northern Ireland must act now to capitalise on the impending 2012 Olympics.

"I would urge the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, in conjunction with the relevant Departments and bodies, to ensure that Northern Ireland is a real and meaningful participant in this major event.

"As a province we need to maximise the benefits of the Games, particularly in terms of the potential social and economic impact for Northern Ireland.

"It is of course imperative that we get people into sport at a domestic and international level - with the added hope of securing a few medals at the 2012 event.

"While there are still almost three years to go until the 2012 games, time is ticking by and we cannot afford to let any opportunities slip through our fingers.

"Local companies need to act now to prepare themselves for the challenging tendering process involved in competing for London 2012 contracts."