'Olympic-Size' Screen Switched-on In Derry

People from Donegal will only have to cross the border and travel a few miles to Derry to immerse themselves in the coming London 2012 Olympics.

Derry City is now well and truly 'Switched On' with the Stormont Culture Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín officially launching the Derry Live 'Big Screen' site.

In good time for both the London Olympics and the Derry City of Culture 2013 celebrations, it is situated in Waterloo place in Londonderry and it is designed to animate this area and to contribute to a shared sense of space.

Speaking as it was switched on today, the Stormont Executive Minister said: "This is the second live site and will allow us to come together in celebration to enjoy cultural and sporting events.

"I am sure that this live site will have as much success as the Belfast Live Site and bring people together to enjoy events via the big screen," she said.

"When the [Olympic] Games begin next July, this site will provide the opportunity for all to watch and support our local sporting stars as they compete in the London 2012 Games," the Sinn Fein Minister added.

She also underlined her support for the partnership between Derry City Council, the BBC and local cultural organisations that have all worked together to regenerate the city centre.

"It supports much of the work undertaken by the Council, by ILEX and DSD and by the Tourist Board which aims to create attractive places where people want to be," she continued.

"I would also like to acknowledge CultureNI, particularly the 30 trainees in the Creative Industries, who have helped to develop content for the site which tells the stories of some of our sporting heroes and showcases some of the world class cultural projects taking place here to celebrate the London 2012 Games."

Bill Morris, Director of Ceremonies, Education & Live Sites for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) said: "I am delighted that Derry/Londonderry has become part of this national network of big screens which will enable people in their own communities to gather together and enjoy the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"This Live Site will not only bring the sport into the heart of the City, but also be a focal point for showcasing local talent when the eyes of the world are on us at during the summer of 2012."

Showcase For Talent

The Mayor, Alderman Maurice Devenney said the Live Site was an excellent facility that would benefit the whole community allowing everyone to come together and experience the Olympic and Paralympic Games in their city.

"Not only will this facility allow us to get into the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and be part of the celebrations, but it will allow us to showcase local talent and events and become a focal point in the city centre.

"The Live Site is part of a series of projects being supported by the Council to encourage local participation and celebration in sport and getting people together to enjoy events. The Live Site will provide the city with a permanent resource to be used in the run up to and during the City of Culture 2013 to engage with communities and provide a lasting legacy for the city and region," he added.

David Lewis, Director of Culture NI who provided content for the Big Screen, added: "NI Champions was directly inspired by the 2012 Games to tell the inspirational stories of Olympians and Paralympians past and present, as well as highlighting artists taking part in exciting London 2012 Festival and Cultural Olympiad projects.

"We are delighted at how the students have responded to the challenge of producing work in a real life digital media environment.

"The fantastic quality of the films they have made speaks for itself."

The Department of Culture & Leisure (DCAL) has provided just over £500,000 grant to support the installation of the Live Site in Derry, which connects it to Belfast sites to 20 other cities in England, Scotland and Wales.

The Big Screens are erected and run through a partnership between London 2012, the BBC and local authorities.

At Games-time there will be a national network of screens, which will enable local communities to gather and watch London 2012 sport and events.

(BMcC)