Cricket camp 'bringing people together,' says chair of Cricket Ireland

Brian MacNeice, chair of Cricket Ireland says the event is an important one

More than 150 young people from a mix of sporting backgrounds - including football, rugby, hockey and gaelic football - have been taking part in a cross-community cricket camp at Stormont.

The Cricket Connects Camp hosted children from across Belfast, the north west and County Donegal.

After a similar event was cancelled in Comber in July because of community concerns over the involvement of a GAA club, the head of Cricket Ireland said he was "determined" that the children would not miss out.

"We were delighted to be able to bring it here and increase the number of kids that were invited," Brian MacNeice said.

He said the cancellation of the North Down Cricket Club camp had been a disappointment.

"As a sport, cricket is for everyone, but while today's camp offered a chance for many local kids to try cricket for the first time, it also allowed them to experience each other's sports in a fun and supportive setting."

Mr MacNeice added that the "power of sport" was a "means to bring people together, promote inclusiveness and strengthen community bonds, particularly among the next generation".

"We are committed to support plans for future improvements here, and look forward to ensuring the local community can enjoy a diverse range of sports," Mr MacNeice said.

Ben, 10, from Maiden City Soccer Club says, while learning new sports can be hard, it's also fun

Ben, 10, from Maiden City Soccer Club said he had tried sports he had never tried before at the event, including hurling, which was "difficult but fun".

Thomas, nine, from East Belfast GAA

Thomas, nine, from East Belfast GAA came to the camp to "learn new sports and make new friends".

"It was very fun and exciting," he told BBC News NI, but added that learning new sports can be hard.

Joshua, 10, from Belfast gave the event a thumbs up

Joshua, 10, from Belfast said he usually plays rugby but had tried cricket, which was new to him but it ended up being "fun".

"I've met great new people who are trying new things with you."

Oliver from Belfast enjoyed trying the different sports

Oliver, 10, from Belfast is also a rugby player but said he was glad he had come and his favourite parts were the "bowling and speed tests".

Charlie from East Belfast GAA enjoyed the event

Charlie, nine, from east Belfast GAA has been playing cricket but is used to playing gaelic football.

"My hands have been wrecked from throwing the ball and catching it so that's one thing that's different."

Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew, who visited the event, said sport has the power to "bring people together from all traditions and backgrounds, and we must continue to do everything we can to support it."