£1M Olympic Legacy Fund unveiled to support local clubs across NI

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with Olympic Champion Daniel Wiffen and Richard Archibald, Interim CEO of Sport NI at the launch of the Olympic Legacy Fund.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced the launch of Northern Ireland’s first Olympic Legacy Fund, a £1 million capital investment aimed at transforming sports facilities and providing a lasting legacy following the success of local athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The fund will support local clubs and community groups across Northern Ireland, helping them modernise facilities, purchase essential equipment, and inspire future generations to get involved in sport.

Mr Lyons said:

“Last year we all cheered on our athletes as they took home a record-breaking medal haul. It was a privilege to host a homecoming reception at the SSE Arena, a chance not only to pay tribute to our medallists, but also to recognise the incredible dedication of all our Olympians, Paralympians, coaches and support staff.

“During this celebration event, I was delighted to announce the Olympic Medallist Fund. Through this initiative £100,000 was invested in projects at six grassroots clubs across Northern Ireland, chosen by our medal winners to help inspire the next generation of athletes.

“To reaffirm my continued commitment to build on the successes at Paris 2024 and ensure a lasting legacy, I have secured funding of an additional £1million. This funding will mark the success of local athletes by creating new opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part in sport in their local area.

“The Olympic Legacy Fund will modernise facilities and provide essential equipment so that everyone can enjoy all types of sports, at all levels.”

Supporting communities through crowdfunding

The fund, delivered in partnership with Sport NI and Crowdfunder UK, will use a community crowdfunding model to maximise engagement and participation.

Organisations can apply for grants ranging from £1,000 to £50,000, with 65% of the funding provided as a grant and the remaining 35% raised through local crowdfunding efforts.

Minister Lyons emphasised the importance of collaboration:

“The Fund’s delivery partners will support and encourage clubs to engage with their local communities to develop ideas and proposals together, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.”

Breaking down barriers to sport

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with Olympic Champion Daniel Wiffen and Richard Archibald, Interim CEO of Sport NI at the launch of the Olympic Legacy Fund.

Richard Archibald, Interim CEO of Sport NI, highlighted the importance of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to get active:

“The Paris 2024 Olympics were an inspiration as athletes from Northern Ireland achieved their best ever performance at an Olympic Games.

“These performances have encouraged people of all ages to get involved in a wide variety of sports, not just Olympic or Paralympic sports. We want everyone to find the sport or activity that suits them and to make the most of the physical and mental benefits of participating in physical activity.

“We are delighted to work alongside the Department for Communities to provide this funding to the sports sector, to break down the barriers that stop people from participating in sport and increase the number of opportunities to engage in physical activity.”

Applications are now open via the Sport NI website: sportni.net/olympic-legacy-fund.

Eligible organisations must be not-for-profit sports clubs, community groups or charities affiliated with a sport recognised by Sport NI, and must be based in Northern Ireland delivering benefits to local communities.

Crowdfunder UK, the leading rewards-based crowdfunding platform in the UK, will provide the tools to help clubs raise funds online and engage supporters directly.