A cross-community basketball event for young people took place at Queen’s PEC in Belfast, supported by a £3,697 Community Cohesion grant from the Housing Executive.

The Summer Jam was organised by PeacePlayers as part of its Bridging Divides Programme. The programme runs weekly evening sessions that bring children and young people together to play on integrated teams and build friendships in a safe space.

Gareth Harper, Managing Director at PeacePlayers, said the organisation was proud of what the young people had achieved through the programme. He noted that Bridging Divides has united young people from across Northern Ireland, fostering understanding through sport and good relations.

Harper added that the programme had grown in strength, reflected by the large turnout at the Summer Jam. He said Housing Executive funding allowed the event to be delivered at no additional cost to participants.

Paul McCombe, South and East Belfast Area Manager at the Housing Executive, said the organisation was pleased to support projects that strengthen community cohesion. He described the Summer Jam as a success and thanked everyone involved for their hard work.