The All Party Group (APG) on Sport and Physical Recreation held its Annual General Meeting on 16 June 2026 at Stormont, bringing together MLAs, sector leaders and key stakeholders to discuss the growing role of sport and physical activity in improving public health outcomes.
Chair David Honeyford MLA welcomed attendees, including Mike Nesbitt MLA, Minister of Health, and Mike Farrar, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health, who led a key discussion on the health and physical activity agenda.
The Minister highlighted the critical role that sport and physical activity play in both preventing illness and supporting recovery, with a strong emphasis on integrating sport into emerging neighbourhood health models and social prescribing initiatives.
Members discussed the importance of cross-departmental collaboration and the need to better utilise sport and community clubs in tackling inactivity and reducing pressure on health services.
The meeting also received an update from Conal Heatley, CEO of Commonwealth Games NI, outlining preparations for Glasgow 2026, where Team NI will compete with 65 athletes and 38 support staff. The update highlighted the importance of sustained investment in both participation and high-performance pathways.
At the AGM, members elected office bearers for the coming year, with David Honeyford MLA reappointed as Chair.
Closing the meeting, Richard Honeyford, NISF, thanked members for their continued engagement and emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum in positioning sport as a key contributor to health and wellbeing across Northern Ireland.
