Diageo Northern Ireland has announced a new partnership with the World Police & Fire Games at an event in McHugh’s Belfast today.With the potential for 25,000 visitors to come to Northern Ireland in August for the biggest event of its kind ever to be held here, special guests including Diageo Ambassadors rugby international Rory Best and Stephen Murphy, Belfast Giants, were among those that came together for a celebration of the forthcoming games.The Games are expected to boost the local economy to the tune of £16.3M to £21.4M and according to Paddy McKenna, Commercial Manager at Diageo Northern Ireland, with its history and heritage of iconic local to global brands, Diageo is looking forward to providing visitors to the Games with a unique and authentic experience.Commenting at the launch, Paddy McKenna, said, “We have a long established and proud history with our local to global brands including Guinness, Baileys, Bushmills and Harp and we are delighted to be the official pouring partner of what is one of the most exciting events ever to come to Northern Ireland.“2013 is another year of opportunity for Northern Ireland plc and having talked about the Games for some time now, they are nearly upon us and we at Diageo are thoroughly looking forward to getting behind the event, celebrating sport and welcoming the thousands of people coming to our shores to participate and enjoy the Games.“At Diageo we want to ensure our visitors receive a warm Northern Ireland welcome and that they enjoy a first class visitor experience and we are confident our customers will play their part in delivering this experience. We are passionate about driving visitor numbers and positioning Northern Ireland as a great location to visitors, both abroad and at home, and key to this is supporting our great events, such as the World Police and Fire Games which will make a visit here very special.”Diageo World Police and Fire Games Ambassador Rory Best said, “I am delighted to lend my support to such an exciting event which will provide a unique opportunity for young people to get involved and get active.  I would like to encourage everyone to get behind the games to celebrate the biggest sporting event to come to Northern Ireland and wish everyone taking part in the Games the best of luck.”Director of Marketing and Communications at 2013 World Police & Fire Games Ltd, Alistair McGowan said, “Whilst sport is the key focus of the World Police and Fire Games what happens off the field of play is equally important.  Camaraderie, developing relationships between services colleagues from across the world, sharing professional and personal experiences and having fun is also a major element of the Games ethos.  We are therefore delighted to welcome Diageo on board as our Official Pouring Partner.  Their involvement will make a major contribution to our goal of delivering the ‘friendliest’ Games ever.”Drink ResponsiblyVisit www.drinkaware.co.uk for the facts

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