Fit4Class passes the test

Fit4Class passes the test

Fit4Class is Athletics Ireland's new 10 week athletics programme that 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.

The programme was piloted over the last 10 weeks in the following 6 primary schools:

• ·         Junior Infants – Ashbourne Educate Together National School
• ·         Senior Infants – St. John of God National School Waterford
• ·         First Class – St. Raphaela’s Primary School Stillorgan
• ·         Second Class – St. Fergal’s National School Bray
• ·         Third Class – St. Matthew’s National School Sandymount
• ·         Fourth Class – St. Joseph’s Boys National School Clondalkin

On completion of the programme classes were presented with their well-earned Fit4Class wristbands by former double European 400m indoor champion and Olympian David Gillick (DSD).

David congratulated each class on completing the programme. He emphasised the importance of sport in young people’s lives and encouraged each of them to work hard to achieve their sporting dreams. All students then enjoyed a fun activity where they ran with David for 44.77 seconds, his national 400m record.

Brid Golden, senior Infant teacher and active school coordinator at St John of God National School Waterford praised the new programme commenting that “Fit4Class is packed with fun filled activities developing movement and co-ordination skills”.

Daniel Kilgallon AAI RDO and Fit4Class coordinator said “Fit4Class has been very well received. The pilot gave us a great insight into how well this athletics programme works in a busy primary school environment where a multi-sport approach is adopted”.

Fit4Class will be launched in September when DEIS primary schools throughout Ireland will be invited to register free for 300 class places. This will be replicated in January with the 300 class places open to all primary schools nationally.

For further details contact Daniel Kilgallon – danielkilgallon@athleticsireland.ie