BBCA cross-commercial sports summer camp in County Down has been canceled after opposition to the participation of “small group of children from GAA Club”.
The North Down Cricket Club, located in the Cumber, on Friday planned to host the program for youth of various backgrounds, including some of the East Belfast GAA,.
However, a local Orange Lodge stated that the local community had concerns about the alleged steps “of GAA (Gelic Athletic Association)), which came from some local residents.
The Cricket Club said after a comment on social media, “There was a danger of losing the spirit of the camp” and it decided not to move forward with the incident.
Club wanted children ‘try to do something new’
The North Down Cricket Club stated that it was “an important part of the colmber” since 1857 “with a strong sense of deep roots, proud traditions and identity.
It states: “Cricket is a global sport made of many religions and cultures, and it is reflected here in green. What we unite us is the game.
“Sport Summer Camp was designed to give youths of different backgrounds to enjoy cricket, try to do something new and just have a chance to have fun.
“The scheme had a plan to include 10 separate local sports and community groups – including organizations supporting ethnic minority communities – aimed at forming friendship through shared activity.
“A small group of children of GAA Club was just part of that broad mixture.”
The Cricket Club said that “the reaction of the incident increased, we felt that there was a danger of losing the spirit of the camp”.
Its statement said, “With regret – and out of honor for all – we chose not to proceed.”
Lodge says that some GAA actions are seen as ‘divisive’
Getty imagesThe Goldsprings of the Come Orange Lodge posted a message on social media stating that “many local residents have raised reservation about GAA’s cultural and historical affiliation”.
“In particular, the aspects of the organization are inconvenient, which are in the past, in the past, obsessed with paramilitary activity, celebrated or remembered.
“For a shared and peaceful future, such tasks are seen as divisive and incompatible by some people that actually with the inclusive society.
“The residents have made it clear that as long as the GAA takes meaningful steps to ensure that it is fully inclusive and sensitive and is sensitive to the history and identity of the Protestant, Unionist and Faith (PLU) community, its presence in the camber will be seen with regret and protests by many in the camber area,” said the Lose.
“The issue is not about the opposition to the game, but it is about ensuring that all organizations working in shared places show respect for all traditions and work continuously for harmony and mutual understanding.”
A spokesman for the Orange Order told BBC News Ni that the organization had no comments about the issue.
What Gaa Club has said?
Getty imagesIn a statement, the East Belfast GAA said it was “disappointed” that its youth members “are not enjoying a planned community sports program”.
“It was a great opportunity to join with those who share the values of our honor, solidarity and inclusion,” it said.
“Regretable cancellation will not prevent any organization from continuing their great work in the construction of bridges, promoting peace and involvement in sharing spaces for sports.”
The club stated that it is ready for “future opportunities to collaborate with” Belfast and beyond “.
First minister condemnation
In a post on X, first minister Mitchell O’Neel said: “Children should be allowed to play together in a summer camp without facing intolerance.
“These developments are deep anxiety and unacceptable. Sport has the power to unite. Political representatives must call it out.
“We need to send a clear message that we will move together to build a bright society and remove such unacceptable intolerance.”
‘This is an insult’
Kelly Armstrong, a member of the Alliance Assembly, said the North Down Cricket Club faced “enmity and bigotry from some quarters”.
“This summer plan has now been canceled due to some online comments.
“It is an insult that the club felt that it was to be done in view of such criticism.
Ms. Armstrong said, “Those who have criticized the club do not represent the conmber in Strangford or the vast majority of people ahead.”
“Those who have criticized the club and forced to postpone the summer plan need to feel that children are not acceptable to play the game together for purely communal reasons.”
