Communities encouraged to fall in Love with the Outdoors!

This superb event showcases over 60 free outdoor activity events across Northern Ireland, with an estimated 4000 participants expected to take part in this unique weekend of outdoor recreation.  With a range of adventurous activities on offer including canoeing, archery, climbing and bushcraft, as well as a range of themed guided walks, there is definitely something for community organisations during this weekend! 

Kelly Gallagher, Paralympic gold medallist skier from Bangor, is encouraging everyone to get active and enjoy the events on offer during Get Outdoors Weekend on 20th and 21st September. From the age 17, Kelly Gallagher first tried her hand at skiing, and she believes everyone can find an activity that they can enjoy.

Kelly remarked, “My hope is that through Get Outdoors Weekend more people will get excited about what activities there are outside. Through events like this I hope people discover their love for a particular outdoor activity which they want to continue with after the weekend!”

She continued, “It’s a great opportunity to try something new but also to make friends and most importantly fall in love with the outdoors! It’s an amazing way to tell people about local activities that are inclusive to everyone right on their doorstep!”

Community groups of all ages and abilities are well catered for during Get Outdoors Weekend and encouraged to make the most of this free weekend and get outdoors! This year there is the added bonus of 5 activity days taking place in parks across Omagh, Enniskillen, Newry, Derry and Belfast, comprising of a range of outdoor activities, such as low ropes, treasure trails & laser clay pigeon shooting as well as fun activities such as face painting and arts & crafts.

Aideen Exley, Marketing Manager for Get Outdoors Weekend, commented,  “As all the events are free of charge in Get Outdoors Weekend, this is a unique opportunity in the Northern Ireland calendar for everyone to get active and embrace our parks, forests and waterways.”

She continued “Knowing the financial constraints of many Community groups, this is a great opportunity to get groups outdoors across the whole of Northern Ireland and experience something that they maybe never have had the chance to do before and most importantly, fall in love with the outdoors.”

Certain events during Get Outdoors Weekend must be pre-booked in advance with places being allocated on a first come, first served basis.  For more information and to book onto an event, please visit www.GetOutdoorsWeekend.com.

Get Outdoors Weekend  is coordinated by Outdoor Recreation NI in partnership with financial partners, Big Lottery, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency with support from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Sport Northern Ireland.  The events are hosted by a range of organisations including local councils, clubs and parks.