Giants and Belfast Harbour Set to Continue Community Impact in 2023/24

Operating in partnership since 2021, the Belfast Giants and Belfast Harbour have worked together on several community-focused projects, aimed at promoting equality and inclusion, as well as providing opportunities for participation and improved wellbeing. One such initiative is the Healthy Lifestyle programme, which is co-delivered by the Giants and Belfast Harbour – engaging thousands of students aged 9 to 11 every season.

Running since 2005, the Healthy Lifestyle programme is designed to encourage young people to make more conscious decisions around their habits and lifestyle choices. Led by Giants’ defenceman, Mark Garside, the programme focuses on delivering the message of the importance of looking after both physical and mental wellbeing, getting sufficient sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and limiting stress.

Steve Thornton, group head of commercial and hockey at The Odyssey Trust, said: “The Belfast Giants and Belfast Harbour share a vision for an inclusive and welcoming city, committed to providing support and opportunities for members of the local community. The Giants are far more than just an ice hockey club, and we are passionate about collaborating alongside likeminded organisations – such as Belfast Harbour, to make a genuine, long-term impact.”

During the 2022/23 season, more than 3,000 pupils from across 20 primary schools took part in the Healthy Lifestyle programme. Participants had the opportunity to listen to Mark Garside’s experiences as a professional ice hockey player and how leading a healthy lifestyle has helped him to achieve success throughout his career.

Allison Dowling, corporate affairs and engagement director at Belfast Harbour, commented: “We are delighted to be starting a third season as the Belfast Giants Official Community Outreach Partner and see the positive impact that the team’s wide ranging engagement programme has on our local communities. With momentum building year on year, we are pleased to continue supporting the team in delivering the Healthy Lifestyle Schools’ Programme, which very much aligns to Belfast Harbour’s commitment to supporting our communities across the city and wider region.”

For more information about Belfast Harbour’s work in the local community, please visit www.belfast-harbour.co.uk/community.