Call out to local schools for all-Ireland mile challenge

Local schools have been urged to complete the GloHealth School’s Mile Challenge 2016 by running, jogging or walking it.

Derry secondary schools students were part of the 15,000 students across Ireland that took part in the challenge last year.

The Challenge is open to secondary school students of all fitness abilities and can be organised by an individual class or across the entire school.

It is a joint initiative between Athletics Ireland and the Irish Schools Athletic Association.

Parents, teachers and pupils are now being encouraged to support the initiative in 2016, which can be held during or after school hours on school grounds and is easy to implement.

Every student who takes part has their time recorded and is awarded with a coloured wristband which represents their one mile completion time.

Schools can also arrange a repeat challenge which is often the case, as they aim to improve their times and upgrade their wristbands.

Irish Schools Athletic Director Anthony White said: “The GloHealth School’s Mile Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to encourage young people to get active and involved in a healthy form of exercise.

“The initiative is about enjoyment and participation open to all students, the main purpose is to promote running or walking as part of a balanced healthy lifestyle.”

Speaking about the initiative Jim Dowdall, CEO, GloHealth said “GloHealth is delighted to support the School’s Mile Challenge, as we are acutely aware of the proven relationship between participation in sport and its impact on a child’s current and future health, as well as the range of direct and indirect benefits associated with ongoing physical activity.”

If your school would like to take on the GloHealth School Mile Challenge please contact Anthony White by email: [email protected] or telephone: 00353 1 8669933.