Belvoir Park Golf Club, will host the World Blind Golf Championships, set to take place on August 10-12.

Former Olympic gold medalist Dame Mary Peters, a life long supporter of investment in sport for the disabled, today donned a blindfold to get a more realistic feel of the challenges facing blind golfers.

Speaking at the launch of the major sporting event she said: "I'm delighted to lend my support to this unique event and to congratulate all those involved in bringing it to Northern Ireland.

"I wish the players every success as they battle it out for world-class honours in this challenging sports environment.

"I would also encourage the public to come along to Belvoir in great numbers, and see for themselves what a high standard of golf is set by these amazing sportspeople."

Held every two years, the major event will feature over 50 of the world's top blind golfers.

This includes a number of current World Champions Jenny McCallum from Australia and Simon Cookson from England.

Also competing are Bob Andrews from the US who was blinded by a mine in Vietnam and the world's oldest blind golfer Jim Watt (92) from Scotland.

In Blind Golf the golfer is assisted by a sighted guide or caddy, who gives verbal information on distance, direction and characteristics of each hole.

One of the driving forces behind bringing the Championships to the city is Jan Dinsdale, a leading blind golfer from Comber.

Jan is Vice President of the governing body of the International Blind Golf Association.

Currently ranked third in the World, and top lady European, and US Open Champion, Jan said: "The last two Championships have been held in Australia and Japan, so it's a special honour, and something of a coup, for Europe and Belfast to be chosen.

"We also have an exciting programme of events prepared for our guests from all over the world, including tours and a special reception at Stormont. "

Captain of Belvoir Park Golf Club Keith Harper said: "We are delighted to have been selected to host this unique event.

"We have been investing significantly in developing our course over recent years. The course is of true Championship standard, and we look forward to an exciting competition."

Eamonn McCartan CEO of Sport NI, said: "Northern Ireland has an excellent track record both in the quality of our blind players and in expertise in holding events. "We have previously hosted the Blind Golf British Open, and will do so again this year in Massarene Golf Club, Antrim.

"Enthusiastic support for such important events for disabled sportspeople is a core element in the Council's strategy."

Belfast's Lord Mayor, Tom Hartley said he is looking forward to welcoming guests for the event.

"We are proud to assist this event through our 'Support for Sport' scheme, and delighted to be working in partnership with Belvoir Park Golf Club and Disability Sport NI to deliver this prestigious competition," he said

Tony McEvoy from Northern Ireland Blind Golfers Association, the organisation officially hosting the event, said: "We have some experience of organising big events, but never anything on this scale.

"It's a huge undertaking but we're confident we can deliver a top quality world-class event, especially with the support of our key partner Belvoir, as well as the Sports Council, Tourist Board, the City Council and other generous sponsors. We are encouraged by the boost this will give to Blind Golf in Northern Ireland, particularly in attracting more young blind golfers to take up the sport."