COUNCIL OPENS 1ST PURPOSE BUILT BASEBALL DIAMOND IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is today delighted to officially open, at its Hydebank Playing Fields, the first purpose built baseball diamond in Northern Ireland, by hosting the 2016 Ulster Baseball Championships.

The exciting development will be home to several baseball and softball teams, including, the Northstars and Buccaneers Baseball Clubs, the Angels Softball Club and the Youth Baseball Academy. The facility will also be utilised by teams competing within both Ulster and Ireland leagues.

The new baseball diamond was opened through a sports diplomacy initiative with technical advice and guidance lead by Dr Christopher Stange of the Consulate of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Northern Ireland.

The Chairman of the Council’s Leisure and Community Development Committee, Alderman Paul Porter unveiled a plaque to officially open the much anticipated baseball facility. Dr Christopher Stange and Alderman Porter, then exchanged gifts in recognition of the event and each other’s commitment to developing the sport in Northern Ireland through the project.

Speaking about the opening, Alderman Paul Porter said: “I was delighted to be given this opportunity to play a part in the official opening of the baseball diamond; and I am extremely proud that this facility is not only a first for the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area but also for Northern Ireland. The Council is committed to offering a diverse range of sports and most importantly providing a platform to encourage everyone to get active and try something different.

“The baseball diamond is an excellent addition to the wide range of leisure and community facilities operated by the Council. It provides a high-quality space where teams can practice and compete, promote development within both sports, host international tournaments and increase tourism to the area. I anticipate that this facility will spark further interest in both, baseball and softball, which at the moment, are ever growing.

“I would like to thank Dr Christopher Stange for his kind gift and send my sincere thanks to everyone involved in making this project a great success”, concluded Alderman Porter.

Dr Christopher Stange also commented: "I would like to commend Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and all stakeholders in bringing this sports initiative to fruition.

This first of its kind facility, unites both local and newer communities, many hailing from North America, Caribbean, South America, Asia and the Pacific, where baseball and softball are either national or main sports.”

Following the unveiling, Alderman Paul Porter, along with Jose Santos, Head Coach, Buccaneers Baseball Club; Sean Shackley, Head Coach, Northstars Baseball Club; and Jay Slevin, Head Coach, Angels Softball Club, took to the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to youth catcher, Joshua Cuthbert.

The 2016 Ulster Baseball Championships welcomed ten teams from across the UK and Ireland, with the Dublin Hurricanes coming out on top to be crowned champions.

The final results are: