The Minister was speaking at the launch of the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Association’s Highway to Health walk from Lisburn Civic Centre to Lisburn City Centre.
Edwin Poots said: “I understand that Northern Ireland has one of the highest rates of heart disease and strokes in the western world. It is therefore important that schemes such as Highway to Health are developed to encourage people of all ages to walk for leisure and for good health.
“Strong scientific evidence now supports the many benefits to health of regular walking. Studies show that walking is one of the simplest, safest and most effective forms of physical activity for people of all ages. It is something that can be done with children or older family members. It need not cost you anything and can fit in with any lifestyle, income bracket, culture or domestic circumstance.”
The Minister continued: “As Sports Minister for Northern Ireland, I am always looking at ways that sport and physical activity can be used not only to improve physical well-being but also to enhance good community spirit.
“It is with this in mind that my Department, in partnership with Sport Northern Ireland, has been developing a new Sports Strategy for Northern Ireland. I hope to make a statement to the Assembly in the near future about the strategy, which will contribute to shaping the future of sport in Northern Ireland over the next ten years. Through the strategy I hope that we can build on some of the outstanding sporting successes of the past.”
“Sport is important to us all. Whether it is as participants at whatever level, or as a way of keeping fit, or as a spectator, it plays a key part in our lives. It brings together communities. It can contribute to personal development and it helps us all, above all else, enjoy ourselves,” he said.
The Minister concluded by wishing the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Association every success in its efforts to raise public awareness of stroke prevention and hoped that the Highway to Health scheme continues to expand and attract greater public use.
Notes to Editors:
- The Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke Association (NICHSA) are celebrating Stroke Awareness Week commencing Monday 17 to Friday 21 September.
- During this week, NICHSA intends to raise the profile of strokes and the impact this has on the individual and their families or carers. They will also highlight the awareness of stroke from a primary prevention perspective, identifying the risk factors involved. This year’s theme is to engage with people and encourage exercise.
- Taking regular exercise is one effective method of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Walking is one of the simplest, safest and most effective forms of physical activity. Every adult in Northern Ireland should accumulate 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week.
- Media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 9025 8917 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
