Friendship Four

Adrenaline levels soared this week as 250 primary school children enjoyed an action packed hockey camp at Dundonald International Ice Bowl as part of the eagerly awaited Friendship Four Tournament.

The children were instructed by a team of elite American college students from Northeastern University and The University of New Hampshire who took time out of their training schedule ahead of the NCAA college tournament taking place at the SSE Arena this weekend.

The aim of the event was to inspire children to engage in sport through a number of fun workshops based on healthy eating and physical activity. The young people were also treated to some leisure time in Indiana Land and tenpin bowling before joining the players on the ice for a fun skating session.  The day then culminated with an energetic hockey display where the children had the opportunity to watch the players in action during one of their training session.

The Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, Alderman James Tinsley said, “The Friendship Four Tournament is the only NCAA college hockey tournament to be held outside of the USA therefore we are delighted to welcome the players to Dundonald International Ice Bowl to host the tournament’s first ever school project.

“The event offers children a great opportunity to meet a team of elite hockey players who from the various workshops and sessions provide young people with a positive role model in terms of health and physical activity.  It has been fantastic to see so many smiling faces throughout the day and meet the young people as they take their first steps onto the ice.  I hope the experience will inspire everyone to get involved in the sport or commit to a lifetime of physical activity.”

Schools involved in the event included Cedar Primary School, Millennium Integrated Primary School, Knockbreda Primary School, Mallusk Primary School and Six Mile Primary School.