United Through Sport

As part of Good Relations Week 2025, the Good Relations Team at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council presents United Through Sport- an evening of conversation and reflection on the power of sport to unite communities, challenge prejudice, and promote inclusion. The event is designed to celebrate and share the values of inclusion, connection and aspiration, with a focus on how sport can be a catalyst for positive change. The event will feature keynote talks, panel discussions, and audience Q&A, all centred around how sport can:

• Break down barriers
• Promote shared spaces
• Connect communities
• Cultivate mutual respect

This is a timely and important conversation for anyone passionate about inclusion, youth engagement, and the role of sport in building strong, connected communities. Speakers & Contributors Dave Scott: Director, Nil by Mouth (Scotland) Dave leads Scotland’s leading anti-sectarian charity, Nil by Mouth. He has championed campaigns that promote tolerance and understanding, particularly through education and sport. His work has reached tens of thousands of young people across Scotland. Michael Boyd: TEDx Stormont Speaker and Former Irish FA. Michael is a respected voice in the field of sport and inclusion. During his time at the Irish FA, he pioneered initiatives to make football more accessible and inclusive. His TEDx Stormont talk explored sport’s potential to challenge prejudice and foster unity. Dr John Bell: Lecturer at Ulster University, John’s research explores how Northern Ireland football supporters and the Irish Football Association worked together through the Football for All campaign to challenge sectarianism at international matches and transform the fan culture in to the award winning ‘Green and White Army’. His research, published in the International Review for the Sociology of Sport journal, offers valuable insights into how sport can be used as a tool for social change and good relations. Hannah Scott MBE (virtual): A trailblazing athlete who made history as the first female Olympian from Northern Ireland to win a gold medal in over five decades. A member of Great Britain’s women’s quadruple sculls team, she clinched gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, adding to her World and European Championship titles. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, excellence, and the unifying power of sport Special Guest: We are welcoming Carl Frampton virtually for a live interview. Carl, a former world champion boxer and former student of Glengormley Integrated College, is widely recognised as a symbol of unity and community pride. His reflections on sport and identity offer a powerful addition to the evening. Hosted by Thomas Niblock, A well-known broadcaster and sports journalist, Thomas brings energy and expertise to the role of host, guiding the evening’s discussions and audience interaction.   Booking is essential. To reserve your space, Email: [email protected]