Support The Dame Mary Peters Trust

President Ronnie was delighted to welcome Hon. Member Dame Mary Peters and Trust Chief Executive Colin Kennedy to tell us about the Mary Peters Trust, the leading Northern Ireland sporting charity which helps young people achieve sporting excellence. They welcome all donations large or small, all are vitally important to their work.

Dame Mary noted that when she won her Gold Medal the late journalist Malcolm Brodie asked her what she wanted, she replied - a track. The Trust was formed 40 years ago and presents 20 bursaries each year (£250-£500) to help towards the cost of approved out-of-pocket expenses in respect of preparation, training and competition within sport in Northern Ireland or further afield of aspiring young athletes from all recognised sports. It works alongside Sport NI and with the assistance of the Governing Bodies of Sport helps young people in their early stages, before Lottery Funding is available.

Colin Kennedy showed a video showing the work of the Trust. He pointed out that the Trust receives no Government funding and receives 50% of its income from interest and the rest is raised through donations and events. Over the last 40 years it has awarded in total £1.5m to 4,400 young people—including Graeme McDowell. It now supports not only individual elite athletes but is much wider and is currently funding in association with the Irish Football Association the George Best Community Cup.