Northern Ireland is due to host the prestigious World Police and Fire Games from 1-10 August next year with an estimated £21m being injected into the local economy. In preparation for the Games, Newtownabbey Borough Council attended an Engagement Event held by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) last week in the MAC, Belfast.

Along with representatives from the other 25 councils, Newtownabbey Borough Council learnt how to maximise the potential of the Games’ 25,000 visitors and how to make the most of the opportunities available for the Borough of Newtownabbey.

Lisa O’Kane, Tourism and Events Manager at Newtownabbey Borough Council says ‘The World Police and Fire Games brings great opportunities for each host nation and Northern Ireland will be no different. Newtownabbey has a lot to offer visitors who want to enjoy leisure time and perhaps stay longer after the event. Between the wide range of shops, restaurants, parks and entertainment as well as the warm welcome Newtownabbey offers, there is a lot of potential of the 25,000 visitors expected to attend.’

The World Police and Fire Games is the third largest international multi-sport event in the world (after the Olympics and World Masters) and is three times the size of the Commonwealth Games in terms of competitor numbers.  Held every two years the Games are expected to attract 10,000 competitors and another 15,000 visitors from over 70 countries.