Viking Boat Race - Press Room

Anyone interested in helping with the organisation of next year's Viking boat races, five mile challenge run or get involved with the Killyleagh Social Partnership, is asked to contact Mr.  Huddleston, telephone (028) 4482 8114.

If there is anyone who feels they can help by providing the sponsorship, whatever the size - contact Tony Davies - (028) 4482 1461 or email killyboat@focused.ie

 

 

New Body aims to assist Killyleagh

Down Recorder - 15, December 2004

A New group has been formed in Killyleagh in a bid to raise the profile of the town and create new jobs.

The Killyleagh Social Partnership is also aiming to increase the number of tourists cisiting the town which is famous for its Royal connections and association with the internationally acclaimed Strangford Lough.

The new group says its main aim is to promote social projects and work in partnership with the Killyleagh Development Assiciation and the town's Community Association.

It also wants to promote projects which will provide social and economic benefits for the Killyleagh community.

The Killyleagh Social Partnership says its aim is to fill the gap between the town's existing groups and to work alongside them to promote events such as the international Viking boat races, one of the most successful events Killyleagh has staged in recent years.

Mr. Tony Davies, who is the driving force behind the town's Strangford Lough Brewing Company, has been appointed chairman of the new Social Partnership, with former Killyleagh Community Association chairman, Mr. John Huddleston, its secretary.

The partnership currently has six other members and it is hoped more people will come firward to join its ranks over the coming months.

The new group says it is particularly keen for young people to get involved with its work and hopes a number will come forward.

Mr. Huddleston said the new group's emphasis is firmly focused on "partnership" and he hopes tha new events can be organised in the future to further raise the profile of Killyleagh and attract more visitors to the town.

The new group held its first meeting at the end of November when a series of issues were discussed. These included preparations for the next year's Viking boat races and the annual five-mile challenge run.

Six teams have already confirmed they will be taking part in the boat races across the town's harbour and 40 people are flying in from Norway for the event.

Talks are also ongoing in a bid to persuade two teams from America to take part in the event.  It is hoped the races can take place over the weekend of May 27 to 29.

The annual fun run has been pencilled in for September 3 and it is hoped that a local celebrity will be in the town to start the race and present prizes to the winners.

Anyone interested in helping with the organisation of next year's Viking boat races, five mile challenge run or get involved with the Killyleagh Social Partnership, is asked to contact Mr. Huddleston, telephone (028) 4482 8114.