Tyrone Constitution, News for Tyrone and Ireland

Jason Lamont, Cookstown is one of hundreds of athletes putting themselves through their final paces in preparation for the Dwarf World Games, taking place in Belfast from Monday 27th July – Monday 2nd August 2009.

Jason, 19 years old, is a member of the DAA NI (Dwarf Athletic Association of Northern Ireland), which after organising the hugely successful Belfast City European and Open Championships in 2006 secured the bid to bring the World Games to Belfast.   Since then preparations have been in full force to stage one of the world’s most unique sporting events.   More than 200 athletes of restricted growth, from 15 countries, will take part in nine sports with competitions taking place at the Mary Peters Track in south Belfast, Larne Leisure Centre and the University of Ulster’s Jordanstown campus.

Jason has previously participated in the DAA UK National Championships but never in the European or World Games so he will be hoping to give a strong performance in his first major tournament when he competes in the team sports – football and basketball.

Eugene McVeigh, Chairperson of the DAA NI said,

“Jason is really looking forward to the Games and I’m confident he will be a strong contender for picking up a few medals throughout the week.  He’s one of ten athletes from Northern Ireland taking part and they’re all very excited to be a part of such a huge event, and I’m sure they, along with all the other athletes will enjoy themselves at whatever level they are competing at.

We are honoured to be hosting such a prestigious event, the success of the Belfast City European and Open Championships in 2006 inspired us to bid to host a larger, more competitive and more spectacular event and hopefully over the course of the week everyone involved will get to experience this.”

The first Dwarf World Games were held in Chicago, USA, in 1993.  England, Canada and France subsequently have held the Games, in 1997, 2001 and 2005 respectively.

The 2009 Dwarf World Games are sponsored by Belfast City Council, the Department for Culture Arts and Leisure, and Sport Northern Ireland, and supported by Disability Sports NI.  Premier Inn is the official accommodation provider for the Games.

For more information on the Dwarf World Games, Belfast go to www.daani.org

Family doctors in Northern Ireland today (Friday 17 July) moved to allay fears over the swine flu virus.

Larne GP Brian Dunn, Chairman of the BMA’s GP committee said, “It is understandable that people will be worried when they hear about the potential number of fatalities that may arise due to the pandemic. It should be remembered that these are worst case scenarios to enable government to plan.

“We urge everyone to follow the recommended advice and telephone their doctor, rather than physically going to the surgery if they have symptoms and are concerned.

“In most cases, it will be a mild illness and the vast majority of people will recover quickly by taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, and drinking plenty of fluids. Anyone who is not recovering quickly or who is in a more vulnerable group, for example young children, pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions, should get extra advice as a small number will need more intensive treatment”.

Tom Black, a GP in Londonderry added,
“The message we need to get across is it’s a pandemic flu - this is new, we haven’t seen this before and yes, most of us will probably catch it.

“We must remember that every year there are deaths from complications of seasonal flu; this is unfortunately inevitable with any strain of influenza, but following the recommended advice will minimise the risk.”

Simple but effective hygiene measures such as frequent hand-washing can also help. Remember to cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, the put the tissue into a bin – catch it, bin it, kill it!”

The GAA has confirmed that in accordance with rule the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship relegation play offs will take place on the weekend of Saturday July 25.

Wexford will play Clare and Antrim face Offaly before the two losing teams play off to determine who will be relegated.

Match arrangements will be finalised by the CCCC on Monday.