Sport for LIFE programme

Sport for LIFE is an innovative physical activity and health programme which gives Primary 5 pupils from various schools around the province the opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of the benefits of regular participation in sport and physical activity. It promotes both participation in sport and physical activity, the importance of a balanced diet for a healthy life as well as highlighting the social, physical and psychological benefits of participating in sport and physical activity.

Sport for LIFE is one of only a select few projects in Northern Ireland to be awarded the very prestigious London 2012 inspire mark.

Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: "The Inspire programme is ensuring the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now as projects like Sport for LIFE are enabling people in Northern ireland to make positive life changes."

The project has been developed and co-ordinated by the University's Sports Outreach Unit which is managed within the University former Ballymoney Borough council, Sports Development Officer, Richard Gormley. All sessions are delivered within schools via a partnership agreement with class teachers and Sports Outreach students from the University.

"The Sports Outreach team have worked tremendously hard over the last 9 months with great support from our project steering group. We are coming to the end of year 1 of the project and to date it has been a great success with positive feedback from both schools and teachers," commented Unit manager Richard Gormley.

It is anticipated that Sport for LIFE will have a significant impact in Primary Schools over the next 18 months with 50 more Primary Schools selected to take part in the project and another 1500 children expected to be involved.

The final step for the children of Balnamore and St Brigids primary schools is to attend the Sport for LIFE festivals which are being held in early June at the University of Ulster. Children will have the opportunity to take part in fun day's activities at the University's world class facilities.

Dr Deirdre Brennan, Director of Sports Outreach summed up year 1 of Sport for LIFE added: "Feedback from participating schools has been extremely positive, equally our student officers have thoroughly enjoyed delivering the project and gaining essential employability skills and experience. We look forward to year 2."