In the two decades since its first draw on December 19, 1994, 657 grants have been awarded to individuals and organisations throughout the area, helping to change lives and transform communities. The largest National Lottery grant in region was the £2.4 million awarded to the restoration of Glenarm Harbour in January 1999, while the smallest has been £190 in June 2006 to Greenisland Knockagh Youth Club to introduce the game of boccia to its members. The first National Lottery grant was £70,046 in December 1995 to provide new facilities at Carrickfergus Bowling Club. Jackie O’Sullivan, from the National Lottery, said: “In 20 years, the National Lottery has helped transform life in Northern Ireland for the better, creating iconic cultural landmarks, empowering communities and developing world class sporting talent. “National Lottery funding has improved people’s health, preserved our rich heritage and created a better future for all. In addition to all the projects that have benefited, thousands of individuals across the UK have won life changing prizes with 3,600 millionaires created to date. “National Lottery players can be proud of the positive changes they have helped bring about since the first draw in 1994.”
