More than 120 young people from Strabane and County Donegal gathered at Melvin Sports Complex to celebrate finishing the ACCEPT Programme, a cross-border good relations initiative.

The programme, supported by the EU's PEACEPLUS fund and administered by the Special EU Programmes Body, focuses on building leadership, communication, and positive relationships among participants.

Those taking part enjoyed a range of recreational activities, including a penalty shootout, climbing wall, trampoline hub, laser shooting, body zorbing, and inflatable football darts. Refreshments were provided throughout the day.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Grace Uí Niallais, attended, along with staff from Include Youth, the organisation that delivers the programme.

Niall Blee, regional director of PEACEPLUS Programmes, praised the achievements of the young people, describing the impact of developing good relations and leadership skills as evident in the friendships formed and confidence gained.

He said the celebration offered a reminder of the value of cross-border connections and investment in youth wellbeing and futures.

The ACCEPT Programme is designed to create pathways into further education, training, and employment for its participants.