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An education and heritage centre named in memory of the late Nevin Spence has officially been unveiled at the Kingspan Stadium today (Thursday August 27).

The young Ulster Rugby player tragically died in 2012 in a farming accident.

The new facility will enable visitors to explore the history of rugby and the benefits that the game can bring.

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: “I am pleased to officially open The Nevin Spence Centre at Kingspan Stadium. The stadium has, from its inception, placed the community benefits at the very top of the priority list.

“The Nevin Spence Centre will bring children from all over the north and from all backgrounds to Kingspan and will allow them to learn new skills in a very fun environment.

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“The incredible transformation of the stadium is now complete. We have a world class stadium as the home of Ulster Rugby and a state of the art education centre. This will provide our young people with the opportunity to learn about the creative industries.

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved with the project and I hope that this wonderful new facility will help educate future generations for years to come.”

Bobby Stewart, President IRFU (Ulster Branch), said: “This centre tells the history of rugby in Ulster, while demonstrating the important benefits of a healthy lifestyle and I have no doubt that it will become an important resource for schools and the education community across the province.

“The centre is also a vibrant and entirely fitting way to remember Nevin who was so tragically taken from us almost three years ago.

“On behalf of the Ulster Branch, I would like to thank the Sports Minister and the Executive for their support of this project.”

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