Ulster’s Sports Outreach Programme at the Magee campus has teamed up with the Western Health and Social Care Trust to fund three dance scholars to deliver a six-week dance programme in local primary schools.
 
Schools in the north-west will benefit from the new physical activity partnership between the University and the Health Promotion Department of the Western Health and Social Care Trust.
 
It is hoped that the project will encourage young people to become active through creative dance as a way to prevent obesity.
 
Sandie Fisher, Lecturer in Dance Studies in the School of Creative Arts, said: “The scholarships are a fantastic initiative which will provide dance students with an excellent opportunity to develop their practical skills working in a school environment.

“They will enable students to gain vital experience that will help support them in future career choices whilst enabling schools access to high quality creative dance provision. The dance department is delighted to be part of such an innovative creative partnership.”
 
The addition of dance to the Sports Outreach programme has further expanded the University’s drive to become a sports leader in the local community.
 
Dr Deirdre Brennan, Senior Lecturer in the School of Sports Studies, said: “It is great to add dance to the range of activities on offer on the Sports Outreach Programme. We know from our successful pilot last year that there could potentially be a very large demand for this activity both from schools and interested students.”
 
Sarah Davidson, Health Development Worker for the WHSCT, said: “Evidence suggests that dance is an activity in which young people, especially young girls, like to participate.  However, there has been a lack of opportunities to access creative dance – and also a lack of tutors to facilitate in some areas. We see this scholarship as the beginning of an important partnership, investing in our local talent – and providing another fun way for young people to stay active and stay fit.”

For further information and an application form contact Sandie Fisher by emailing s.fisher@ulster.ac.uk
 
Deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 5 December 2008, 4pm.

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter