15th May 2023
Last month, 217 early year settings and schools from across Northern Ireland took part in World Daily Mile Day.
This is an initiative to improve the physical, social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing of children.
Sixty-three of those settings were from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area, with 11,000 children joining millions of others across the world by walking, jogging, wheeling and running for 15 minutes.
Colette Brolly, Public Heath Agency’s Lead on Physical Activity said;
“It’s important that children are introduced to a culture of being active from an early age, as it is something that will stay with them and benefit them throughout their lives. The Daily Mile is a great way to help keep kids stay active. It’s important that throughout our family lives we encourage children to move more, and move more often.
“Children over the age of five years need to take part in moderate to vigorous intensity activities for at least 60 minutes, and up to several hours every day. This can be broken up into small chunks of at least 10 minutes throughout the day – it all adds up.”
With the support of The Daily Mile in Northern Ireland the number of settings registered with The Daily Mile Foundation has increased significantly over the last few years, with 529 settings now taking part.
Clare Drummy, Physical Activity Lead, Southern Health and Social Care Trust said;
“We are delighted to see the increase in early year’s settings and schools registering to take part in The Daily Mile in Northern Ireland. The Daily Mile is a fun and easy way to integrate movement into a child’s day. We would encourage all settings to think about how a Daily Mile could fit into the day, we can even support you with resources. Come join the movement!”
For more information or to request resources please contact Clare Drummy, Physical Activity Lead, Southern Health and Social Care Trust by emailing: clare.drummy@southerntrust.hscni.net
Watch the video of schools across our Trust getting involved in World Daily Mile Day here.
Caption: Children enjoying World Daily Mile Day in Gilford Primary School and St John the Baptist, Portadown.