A day of sports and solidarity
By Caítlin Doherty
``This has never happened before''. Standing along the football pitch on
Sunday, Liam, a local resident of the Garvaghy Road stood silently as teams
from Belfast and the Garvaghy Road kicked off a Seven-a-side in Portadown s
People s Park.
More than 300 overexcited youth had gathered in Portadown for a day of
enjoyment and sports. They first met in the local sports club before
invading the ``tunnel'' of Obin Street. It is on that street that the Orange
Order used to march nine times in two days and local nationalist residents
have been regularly harassed.
The tournament that had previously been put off after Rosemary Nelson s
murder was part of an ongoing series of activities organised by West
Belfast community groups. The activities that include health and drug
awareness projects are aimed at breaking the isolation and showing
solidarity with the residents of the Garvaghy Road.
``The kids here need a break. They have been undersiege for too long. This
is really a cure'', Liam continued. ``Look around you. This park is the only
facility that they can really use. Even if they adventured themselves into
the town, there would be nothing for them.''
Local councillor Joe Duffy was among the crowds of parents and community
workers gathered along the pitches. ``This type of activity is lifting the
spirit of the youth. It s more than just about showing support. Joint
activities such as these are vital in an area where the lack of leisure
facilities are striking and the youth have undergone a siege of more than
300 days''.
The enthusiasm of the youth was difficult to contain and the games
kicked-off one after the other during more than four hours.
While Micky cheered his sons, he gave a grim picture of the situation.
``This place is starved from communication. Anywhere you go, you re
surrounded. The negative vibes are all over. It s good to see our young
ones mixing with Belfast youth. There has to be more of these types of
events. It s vital to keep the youth active, happy and out of trouble.''
As the buses rolled off from Portadown, exhausted faces glared through the
windows at the Drumcree Church. It was a day to remember. The community
workers promised that there would be many more to come.
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