SPORT NI LAUNCH ACTIV8

NEW INITIATIVE TO GET YOUNGSTERS ACTIVE

Olympic Silver Medalist Wendy Houvenaghel with pupils from St Brides Primary School (Click on image to enlarge)

Star of the Beijing Olympics, Wendy Houvenaghal, was joined by a number of celebrated names in Northern Irish sport to help launch Sport NI’s Activ8 Initiative.

The Activ8 initiative aims to increase levels of participation in sport and physical activity amongst young people. Wendy was joined by sporting personalities such as Ireland’s rugby player Paddy Wallace, Paralympic Gold Medallist, Michael McKillop and All Ireland Senior Football Champion, Tyrone player Sean Cavanagh at St Brides Primary School.

Activ8 highlights eight ways for children to get active and stay healthy by participating in up to 60 minutes of physical activity every day. It is part of an initiative led by Sport Northern Ireland and supported by the Education and Library Boards and the Health Promotion Agency.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Olive Brown, Board Member of Sport Northern Ireland said: “The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are just over three years away and with excitement growing we want to make sure everyone becomes more active especially young people. There is so much to be gained from taking part in sport and physical activity; it is healthy and fun.”

Activ8 has been awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark, congratulating Sport Northern Ireland on achieving this Sports Minister, Gregory Campbell said: “I am pleased to announce that Sport Northern Ireland has been awarded the Inspire Mark for Activ8.  This is the third Inspire Mark for Northern Ireland and will contribute to the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.”