SERC warms up for NI Science Festival

South Eastern Regional College’s (SERC) Sports lecturers will be sharing their expertise in the science behind sport when they participate in NI Science Festival, which runs from February 15 – 28.
Pictured L- R (pre-lockdown) Phillip McKelvey, Course Coordinator, student Robert Price, Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching and Fitness and Colin Atkinson, Deputy Head of School, Applied Science and SportPictured L- R (pre-lockdown) Phillip McKelvey, Course Coordinator, student Robert Price, Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching and Fitness and Colin Atkinson, Deputy Head of School, Applied Science and Sport
Pictured L- R (pre-lockdown) Phillip McKelvey, Course Coordinator, student Robert Price, Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching and Fitness and Colin Atkinson, Deputy Head of School, Applied Science and Sport

The annual NI Science Festival features a variety of informative and engaging events and outdoor experiences across Northern Ireland and this year will include virtual talks by science communicators from around the globe and online interactive workshops in the biggest Schools & Educators programme ever assembled by the Festival team.

SERC Sports will be leading The Science of Sports Recovery Applied to Everyday Life, online interactive workshops scheduled at 11am and 1pm on February 11 and 12.

Phillip McKelvey, SERC Lecturer, School of Applied Science, Sport and Access to Education, said: “We are thrilled to be taking part in the Science Festival which has become a key date in the College calendar.

“Our online workshop shares our expert knowledge in the importance of recovery techniques which our elite athletes apply to assist in the enhancement of their performance. Participants are then tasked with applying some of these methods in their own lives to assist with the everyday challenges we all face.”

Schools from across NI have confirmed attendance at the SERC sessions including Straidhavern Primary School (P5, P6 and P7 ), Brackenagh West Primary School (P6) and Friends Pre School (P7), among other schools and individual parents and children.

The College has produced resources for participants which form part of SERC Sport’s wider UKAD educator programme. As a UK Anti-Doping accredited College, SERC Sport engage with local schools and stakeholders providing up-to-date information and education on key topics including health, wellness, performance and Clean Sport.

Colin Atkinson, SERC Deputy Head of School, School of Applied Science, Sport and Access to Education, commented: “The Science Festival provides us with the opportunity to continue our strong tradition of engaging and supporting local schools and our community, albeit remotely this year. This will help go some way to reduce the pressure on school staff and parents during these difficult times by way of interactive resources to support home learning.”