Ruane congratulates GAA and IFA on delivery of primary schools’ sports initiative

Soccer and Gaelic games coaches have made an invaluable contribution to the health and wellbeing of local primary schoolchildren.

That was the message from Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, as she hailed the role played by over 60 coaches from the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and Irish Football Association (IFA) in a sports programme for local primary schools.

Speaking as she visited a special event in Magherafelt to showcase the coaches’ input, the Minister said: “I believe that participation in sport is an integral element of the school experience and one that delivers numerous clear benefits for children. This is why I have made available £3.7million for the primary sports programme since it began in 2007, enabling over 33,000 children from almost 600 schools across the north to get involved.

“The contribution of coaches from the GAA and IFA has been essential to the success of the programme. My thanks and congratulations go to both organisations and to the coaches themselves for supporting the project and for the commitment and enthusiasm they so clearly demonstrate.

“I have no doubt that the programme has played a major part in encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle amongst local primary schoolchildren. Taking part has helped them not only tackle and prevent obesity, but also improved their general physical literacy and overall confidence and wellbeing.”

The Minister added: “With gaelic games and soccer highly popular amongst young children and participation accessible to both boys and girls, the coaches have capitalised on this by developing an innovative range of fun and interesting mini-games. This approach engages children and nurtures a lifelong interest in sport that can only be of benefit.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Curriculum Sports Programme is aimed at Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 levels.
2. Activity sessions take place during curriculum time in support of the PE curriculum.
3. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440 and your call will be returned.