Throughout the morning, the President joined the children aged 9-11 taking part in basketball and engaged in discussions, as part of Passports Ready!, a sport-based activity, designed and delivered by PeacePlayers Northern Ireland. 

The event brought pupils from across the city together for a morning of sport, teamwork and shared learning. 

During her visit, the President spoke with pupils, observed the activities and learned more about how sport is being used to encourage friendship, inclusion and mutual understanding among young people. 

President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly said:

“It is wonderful to see young people from different backgrounds learning and playing together here today at Queen’s University. Initiatives like this show how early engagement can help children to build trust and empathy. The University’s commitment to bringing communities together and supporting the next generation sets a strong example of civic leadership.”The 4 Corners Festival aims to bring people together across Belfast through a diverse programme of creative, cultural and community-focused events. 

Dr Ryan Feeney, Vice-President (Governance and External Affairs) and Registrar said: 

“We are delighted to welcome President Connolly to Queen’s on her first official visit to Northern Ireland since taking up office. 

“Her presence here underlines the importance of initiatives like PeacePlayers and the 4 Corners Festival and reflects the University’s civic mission to engage meaningfully with communities and contribute to positive social development in Northern Ireland.  

“It is a privilege to host events that bring young people together and showcase the positive impact of education and community working in partnership.” 

The Passports Ready! activity aligns with this year’s 4 Corners Festival theme, “Journey.” PeacePlayers uses activities like this to foster collaboration, trust, and respect across communities, with sport serving as a shared language that helps children build confidence and lasting connections. 

Gareth Harper, Managing Director of PeacePlayers Northern Ireland added:

“Events like today are about giving children the chance to come together in a positive, shared space. Through sport, they learn teamwork and respect and build friendships with children they may otherwise not have the opportunity to meet. We’re delighted to deliver this programme at Queen’s as part of the 4 Corners Festival.”

Ed Peterson of 4 Corners Festival said:

“The overall ethos of the 4 Corners Festival is to encourage all of us to get out of our corner of the city, by teaming up with Peaceplayers we are delighted to be giving young people the opportunity to come together and explore various different subject matters with peers from different areas of Belfast or even beyond.

“To welcome the Irish President today to the event was an honour and a privilege and testament to the impact of this kind of work.”

Media

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