On the home straight

6,500 primary school students throughout Ireland will complete Athletics Ireland’s Fit4Class programme in the coming weeks.

Fit4Class introduces primary school children aged 5-10, from junior infants to fourth class to athletics in a fun, engaging and non-competitive environment. It focuses on the use of games to develop fitness whilst enhancing agility, co-ordination and balance, all fundamental to longer term physical athletic development.

In September 2016, DEIS primary schools nationally were invited to register for 300 class places. Places were filled quickly and teachers received their easy to follow Fit4Class booklet and class trackers.

The response to the programme has been very positive. Ms Céire Cudden, teacher at Marymount National School in Drogheda Co. Louth said “I have really enjoyed Fit4Class, the booklet is very easily laid out for teachers and the activities are age-appropriate too. We have had great fun in 1st class and look forward to our wristbands”

Class teacher Ms Gillian O’ Sullivan pointed out  “The children are loving the ten week Fit4Class programme at Carlow Educate Together. The activities are so age-appropriate, varied and so much fun. The children look forward so much to PE every week”

These sentiments were also reflected by teacher at Acres National School in Burtonport Co. Donegal, Ms Leanne Sharkey who stated “All our classes taking part in Fit4Class are thoroughly enjoying it.  Well done Athletics Ireland on a fantastic, fun and very user friendly programme”

Wristbands have now been dispatched to all participating classes. Teachers will present students with their hard earned wristbands on completion of the programme.

Programme coordinator Daniel Kilgallon said “We are extremely happy with the first national roll out of Fit4Class. We hope students are enjoying participating and complete the programme successfully. Athletics Ireland would like to thank teachers for delivering the programme as without this it would not be a success. We will roll Fit4Class out again in 2017 when we hope to offer more places to both DEIS and non - DEIS schools”

Details of the 2017 roll-out will be announced in the New Year.