GAIRMSCOIL CHU ULADH in Ballinamore, Fintown, were this week officially announced as a top Sky Sports award winner.
Gairmscoil Chu Uladh used their Sky Sports Living for Sport project to set up a ‘Healthy Schools Committee’ which aimed to develop fitness among the whole school and wider community.
It all kicked off with a Health and Wellness Fair which provided key information and education to the entire school and their families. A range of high-profile speakers attended the event, including Athlete Mentor Dermot Gascoyne, to explain the benefits of healthy living. During the fair, it was announced that they would be organising a Race Day which anyone from the school or local community was welcome to take part in.
Over the next six weeks, students at the school took part in a specific training programme which ensured all abilities were able to take part, with the aim of participating in either a 5km or one-mile race in March.
The Sky Sports Living for Sport project group organised all elements for the Race Day, including stewarding, registration, results and post-run refreshments which helped them to develop a number of key life skills.
The day was a tremendous success, with more than 300 parents and students taking part in total and has left a real legacy. More students – especially those who were not previously involved in sports – are now getting involved in school sports teams and the attendance in PE lessons is significantly improved.
