Dame Mary Peters has provided an unforgettable legacy to sport in Belfast and through the £3million newly refurbished Mary Peters Track will continue to do so for generations to come.
Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir made the comments as he and Lord Seb Coe, unveiled a specially created bronze sculpture of the Olympic Gold Medallist, standing on an Olympic podium at the Mary Peters Track.
The sculpture, created by one of Ireland`s leading sculptors, John Sherlock OBE, is based on Mary`s iconic `wave` to the crowds just after she received her gold medal at the Munich Olympics. Mr Sherlock has gifted the sculpture to Belfast City Council.
“It was her success at the 1972 Olympics that was responsible for the original development of the Mary Peters Track and it is her continued commitment to athletics, to developing and supporting young people and encouraging them to be the best they can be which resonates today,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Her inspiration together with the hard work and commitment of Belfast City Council can help this excellent facility produce future Olympic and Paralympics athletes who will, one day, bring more medals home to Belfast,” he added.
The new track, which now meets the highest international standards, is already attracting major competitions and international athletes. It will also be a premier venue for events such as the World Police and Fire Games.
However, the Lord Mayor said it will remain accessible too for the school children who use it regularly for training and as a centre for sporting events. “It is young people who will benefit most and who will hopefully be inspired to enjoy sport and to strive to equal Mary`s achievement in striking gold,” said Councillor Ó Muilleoir.
“Sport is a great preparation for life – it teaches us to rise to new challenges, to be the best we can be, to meet and mix with others from different backgrounds and cultures, and that is the best training we can offer our children” he said.
The unveiling was attended by many of the athletes participating in today`s elite sporting event which has succeeded in attracting athletes from as far afield as Australia as well as pulling local Paralympian, Jason Smith, from the United States to take part.
Competition in some categories is expected to be fierce with local athletes striving to meet the challenge of international athletes.
Dame Mary Peters said she was delighted that the track named in her honour would continue to serve Belfast and Northern Ireland. “I congratulate and thank the Belfast City Council for their investment which I am sure will contribute to the future sporting success of athletes from Belfast and Northern Ireland,” said Dame Mary.
“I am delighted that Belfast has a truly world-class facility that will serve both current and future generations of young athletes for many years to come,” she added.
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