Posted online: Sep 13th, 2010

A new £1.6m sports centre in Garvagh has been dedicated to a well-known former businessman and councillor.
A special ceremony was held at the weekend to open the Jim Watt Sports Centre.
Joined by members of the Watt family and councillors from Coleraine Borough Council, the new centre was unveiled by the Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Norman Hillis.
The newly appointed and state of the art facility is named after former Mayor, Councillor and Garvagh business man, the late Jim Watt who was a keen sports man who worked tirelessly for his community for over thirty years.
It was originally hoped that the centre would be opened by Mr Watt’s wife Sadie.
However, Mrs Watt sadly passed away last week but here family wanted the ceremony to go ahead as planned.
The Jim Watt Sports Centre is part-funded by Coleraine Borough Council and Sport NI and boasts a multipurpose sports hall, changing facilities, rooms for coaching and fitness classes and will soon host a fitness suite.
Speaking at the weekend ceremony, Cllr Hillis paid tribute to his former colleague.
“Jim was a proud family man, local businessman, politician, and most importantly, a Garvagh man.
“He was highly respected by his local constituents and equally by his fellow elected members throughout his many years as a Councillor and time as Mayor of the Borough of Coleraine.
“This sports centre is an enduring tribute to a remarkable man and I hope that it will act as a catalyst for future regeneration in this town.”