'Business Games Challenge' Open for Entries in Lisburn Castlereagh
February 7, 2019
The three stage Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council ‘Business Games Challenge’ is back for the third year; and is now open for team entries from local businesses. It will take place between 20th February and 20th March at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex and Dundonald International Ice Bowl.
Each session will take place between 6.00pm and 9.00pm. The game stages are: Dodgeball on Wednesday 20th February, Wheelchair Basketball on Tuesday 5th March and Ten Pin Bowling on Wednesday 20th March. These games are open to businesses based in the Council area and are suitable for all fitness levels.
For the first time the Council will be having a Ten Pin Bowling Challenge that will take place at our Dundonald International Ice Bowl facility. This third and final stage will be able to accept up to 32 teams.
Once again the Council has partnered with Disability Sport NI to offer local businesses the opportunity to try Wheelchair Basketball. When it was introduced last year the participating businesses appreciated the challenge of this Paralympic sport – competing in a wheelchair and following the rules of basketball, providing an excellent opportunity to help break down barriers around disability sport.
Alderman William Leathem, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, speaking about the Business Games Challenge, said: “We hope that a high number of local businesses sign up to compete in this enjoyable challenge, either for all three stages or the ones best suited to their team. We are proud to be the only council to organise such an innovative programme that combines networking and physical activity for local SMEs. I would like to thank the Public Health Agency (PHA) for partnering with us in ‘Investing in Health, Profit in Business’ Programme, which these games are part of.
“I would encourage local businesses to register their team as soon as possible due to places being limited for some of the stages. This event will be fun, allow teams to socialise, build up camaraderie and network. Sixteen teams took part in 2018 and they proved there is a great team culture across our business sector. There will be winners at each stage of the Games with the ‘Business Champion’ being crowned at the end of all three stages.”
Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Leisure & Community Development Committee, added: “The ‘Business Games Challenge’ provides an ideal opportunity for teambuilding with the positive health benefits of team sports; and this is one of the key foundations of the Invest in Health, Profit in Business Programme. I would like to thank the PHA for funding this council implemented project. It is an example of public sector partnership working and supports one of our main goals of encouraging people to become involved in physical activity to increase health and wellbeing."
David Tumilty, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager from the Public Health Agency’s Belfast and South Eastern Team commented: “The PHA is pleased to continue partnering with our council colleagues this year to provide opportunities for our local businesses to let their staff get active and enjoy the huge health benefits physical activity brings.
“Research shows that being physically active can help prevent a number of serious health conditions and can cut your risk of heart disease and some cancers, as well as reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke and joint pain. It also helps to boost mood and reduce depression and anxiety. This initiative gives people the opportunity to build physical activity into their busy lifestyles and it provides them with a chance to try something new in a friendly environment supported by their colleagues.”
To secure a place for your team please email Kevin Madden, Sports Development Officer on kevin.madden@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk