"Airport
renamed in honour of Best"
Belfast Telegraph - 21st March 2006
Belfast City Airport is to be renamed in honour of football legend George Best, it was revealed today.
In an unprecedented move, the airport will be renamed in tribute to the sporting icon on May 22, the day Northern Ireland's favourite sporting son would have celebrated his 60th birthday.
Although it won't be confirmed until the official unveiling of the new signage at the special ceremony attended by the star's family and friends, it is thought the new name will be the George Best Belfast City Airport.
The decision comes after the Belfast Telegraph ran an opinion poll asking members of the public to vote on the best way to pay tribute to the legend - 32% of the 5,000 people who took part said renaming the airport, situated in George's native east Belfast, was the most suitable permanent memorial to the footballing hero.
The family then contacted the airport and indicated that they would also be keen for the airport to be renamed after him. Today's announcement follows a series of meetings between George's father Dickie, other family members and airport management.
Brian Ambrose, chief executive of Belfast City Airport, explained: "In the days following George's death, the media reported a variety of possible memorials to him.
"We were contacted by the Best family who indicated that in their opinion the most appropriate memorial to George was the renaming of Belfast City Airport.
"We believe that renaming the airport after George is a fitting and permanent tribute to his footballing brilliance.
"With 2.2m passengers passing through the airport each year, this will act as constant reminder of Belfast's favourite son."
A spokesperson for the Best family added: "We are delighted that airport management have decided to rename the airport in honour of George.
"Belfast City Airport is synonymous with east Belfast and with thousands of people using the airport on a daily basis, George's memory will never be forgotten.
"This is a highly visible and lasting memorial to George that we hope will please many people in Northern Ireland."
The move was also welcomed by local councillor Jim Rodgers, who backed the Telegraph's campaign.
He said: "I think this is absolutely tremendous news.
"After the Belfast Telegraph put this forward as something that should be done, a lot of consultation took place and I'm delighted with today's announcement - it is a fitting tribute to the sporting icon."
The move follows
last week's launch of a plane flying between Belfast and Manchester in memory
of the footballing star. The aircraft, carrying on its side a portrait of
the former Manchester United and Northern Ireland international, was also
unveiled at a special ceremony at Belfast City Airport last Wednesday, after
which George's family travelled to a memorial service in Manchester.
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