Press Release

School Health and Fitness week launched

Monday 9th June 2008

The Mayor has given his backing to the Health and Fitness week taking place at Model Primary School, which has been developed by the school in partnership with Derry City Council Sports Development.

Throughout the week all pupils will be able to participate in Gaelic Games, Cricket & Rounders, Rugby, Soccer, FUNdamental games, Athletics, Dance and Cooking and Healthy eating demonstrations.

Praising the initiative taken by the school, Mayor Cllr Gerard Diver said they were setting an outstanding example of how to incorporate fitness and health issues for children into a fun and accessible programme.

“We are constantly being reminded of the increasing amount of obesity within younger children and people and the way to counteract this is through educational initiatives that make health and fitness fun. Participation in sports is essential for children, not only to maintain their health physically, it’s also vital for team-building skills, socialising and personal confidence and development. I would like to congratulate the Model School and pupils for being so inspirational and wish them every success with this great project.”

Commenting on the programme, Ryan Deighan of Derry City Council, said, “The Health and Fitness week at Model Primary School in the Outer West neighbourhood renewal area emphasises the role that sport and physical activity play’s within our local community. It also goes some way in highlighting the collective benefits that can be achieved through partnership working between Council and schools operating in the local neighbourhood renewal areas.”

The aim of this project is to continue to promote the benefits of regular exercise and physical activity for local primary school children in order to improve their health and well-being and to encourage the development of sports within local communities and schools.

The launch will also give pupils of Model PS a chance to get their hands on the National Football League trophy recently won by the Derry GAA team

Ends

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