15th November 2006

Email this Page |

UU has teamed up with Ulidia Integrated College to promote healthy and active lifestyles as part of the School of Sports Studies University Sports Outreach programme.

Eighty Primary 5 pupils from Acorn Integrated Primary School, Woodburn Primary School and St Nicolas Primary School spent the day with Ulidia and University Sports Outreach staff to learn about healthy balanced diets and good exercise and physical activity habits.  

The children took part in a series of hands-on practical workshops on ‘preparing and cooking healthy foods’ followed by physical activity sessions in mini hockey, mini basketball and mini soccer.

The day finished up with a question and answer session with some UU sports personalities and ambassadors including ex-Ireland Rugby International Maurice Field.  

The rugby star spoke about the positive influence of physical activity and sport on their lives and interact with the children in a range of fun activities that will challenge the children to remember what they have learned as a result of the day’s events.

Gareth Maguire, Head of PE and School Sport at Ulidia Integrated College, Carrickfergus, believes the schools outreach programme has had a very positive impact on the pupils entering Ulidia IC from local primary schools. 

 “In partnership with the University we are able to facilitate not only a PE and school sport support programme for primary schools but we are delighted to extend regular invitations for pupils to visit the school and gain from the expertise that we have in house and also developed in association with the University,” Gareth said.

 “Stephen Crothers, the University Sports Outreach Coordinator, came up with the idea of linking a mini sports festival with the healthy eating agenda. Drawing on cross curricular links like this is essential to ‘join up’ the learning for young people. Our home economics and PE departments have worked together to draw up today’s schedule and it’s sure to be an overwhelming success for all involved” 

Dr Deirdre Brennan from the School of Sports Studies added: “Too many children of primary school age are physically inactive and indulge themselves with unhealthy foods and past times. That said they are at an age where we can influence positively changes in lifestyle habits and behaviour.

“Physical activity is a behaviour and achieving sustained behaviour change can be difficult so we must start young. The Sports Outreach programme uses innovative approaches, like today’s event hosted by Ulidia, to engage children in fun but purposeful ways in developing a positive attitude to physical activity and health.”

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter