AN industrial unit in the Kilwee complex in Dunmurry is the first and only facility in Ireland to provide urban sports tuition for a demand that is growing all the time.
Instructors Mathew Gillespie and Liam Lynch came up with the idea to launch BUS (Belfast Urban Sports), combining a multitude of popular activities like skateboarding, BMX and inline rollerblading.
"We have been established for two years and in Dec
ember 2007 we moved to Kilwee Industrial Estate," explained Liam who is from Queensland, Australia, but has been in the province for the last eight years. "Basically it's a big shed with a fantastic skatepark inside called Unit 13. It is the only venue of its type north or south and provides a controlled, safe environment for those who enjoy these exciting sports.
Left: At Unit 13, Michael Duffin, with Robert Lowey, Mathew Gillespie (chairman), Liam Lynch (secretary), and Dominic Shannon.
"However, it is more than just sport. There are cultural aspects as it helps tackles the issue of getting young kids off the streets, and tackles the issue of fitness and obesity at a crucial development age.
"We have a nine strong committee and our aim is to provide instructors and develop a strategy to achieve European coaching certificates and be recognised by the Sports Council."
Interest is growing all the time for the scheme - up to 500 a week visit the centre. "We have over 1500 members who joined via the web," added Liam. "Lisburn is on our doorstep, but we get people coming from all over Ireland."
In order to achieve their goals BUS needs help. "We are a charitable organisation that relies on hard work and generous sponsors so if any business would be keen to get involved please get in touch."
The centre is open from Wednesday to Friday from 6.00 to 10pm and on weekends from 12 to 6.00pm. For more details or to become a sponsor email team@ourbus.org
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