2002
Coca Cola International
North West 200
Motorcycle Road Races
Press Release
29th January 2002
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MICHAEL MCGIMPSEY ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR NORTH WEST 200
Sports Minister, Michael McGimpsey MLA, today gave the North West 200 a massive boost when he announced that the Northern Ireland Events Company is to make £75,000 available to help the organisers attract star international riders to this year's festival of speed.Speaking at the launch of the 2002 event at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast, the Minister said: "The North West 200 is one of the world's top motorcycle meetings for pure road racers and a test bed for all those about to compete in the TT Races in the Isle of Man.
"Unfortunately, last year, the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease prevented the holding of the event and I am most grateful for the responsible stance adopted by the organisers who decided to cancel the races in the greater interests of the Province.
"I recognise fully the importance of road racing to many in Northern Ireland. That is why I was pleased to secure £100,000 last year from the Executive, of which £26,000 went to the North West, to help make our circuits as safe as possible for competitors.
"The North West 200 attracts thousands, both from home and abroad, to this terrific spectacle and also generates much needed revenue for local businesses. I am therefore delighted to announce that the Northern Ireland Events Company is prepared to allocate £75,000 to help the organisers to attract some of the top international riders to the Province.
"Big names mean big attendances and I am confident that the North West will build on the progress it has made and continue to be one of the top events in our sporting calendar."
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Established by the Government, the Northern Ireland Events Company aims to support the promotion of major events in Northern Ireland which have the potential to reflect a positive image of the Province, create opportunity for social cohesion and bring economic benefits.
The North West 200 was allocated around £26,000 to help organisers to carry out safety work which included the removal/repositioning of road signs, street lighting, kerbs and railings as well as resurfacing.
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