‘The Daily Mile in Action’ for European Week of Sport - Athletics Ireland
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‘The Daily Mile in Action’ for European Week of Sport

25 September 2018

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‘The Daily Mile in Action’ for European Week of Sport

As part of the European Week of Sport, Athletics Ireland in association with Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership on Tuesday (Today) hosted The Daily Mile in Action for invited parents and media at Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Inchicore.

Since launching in Scotland in 2012, The Daily Mile has grown exponentially with over 5,000 schools currently participating worldwide. Since the launch in Ireland only last April almost 300 schools have already registered for The Daily Mile. The benefits of this fun and free physical activity are numerous, improving children’s physical and mental health and wellbeing, their focus in class, and their fitness levels.

Athletics Ireland has been appointed as the hub for the promotion and development of The Daily Mile in Ireland in collaboration with Local Authorities and Sports Partnerships.

“We are delighted to be leading this wonderful Primary Schools initiative that can make a great impact on the fitness, health, and general wellbeing of school children all over Ireland, “Athletics Ireland President, Georgina Drumm said. “Athletics Ireland is fully committed to encouraging all Primary Schools to embrace The Daily Mile. “We have already seen in Primary Schools like Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal in Inchicore that the impact of The Daily Mile can be transformational – improving not only children’s fitness but also their concentration levels, mood, behavior and general well-being. “

Brendan Griffin TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport attended this exciting Primary Schools media day.

The Minister of State for Tourism and Sport is also fulsome in his enthusiasm for The Daily Mile: “The overall simplicity of “The Daily Mile” is to be admired. There is no extra cost, no extra equipment or sports kit.  This initiative is all about getting children out in to the fresh air and being active. There is no emphasis on winning or competition; it is simply about having fun.  The impact of this type of engagement can be transformational – improving not only children’s fitness but also their concentration levels, mood, behavior and general well-being. Finally, I would like to extend my thanks to Athletics Ireland, their partners, and of course the schools and teachers themselves, for their drive and commitment to the Daily Mile initiative.”

Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring is encouraged by the results shown by the students and schools who already participate in The Daily Mile.

“It’s great to be here at the school (Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal) to see The Daily Mile in action, it is a brilliant initiative. It’s great for the kids to get out and do a bit of exercise. It gets them away from the screens but also motivates them and I understand from speaking to the teachers that when they come in from that they are invigorated and motivated and their concentration levels are better. There’s so much positivity coming out of it and I just think it’s a brilliant initiative and long may it continue!”

John Treacy, CEO of Sport Ireland and Olympic marathon silver medalist, said: “Sport Ireland is delighted to support The Daily Mile through the Local Sports Partnership network. This is an excellent example of collaboration between a National Governing Body for Sport and the Local Sports Partnerships at a local level and will get many children out and active, which is vitally important for their physical and mental health. Sport Ireland commends Athletics Ireland and all Local Sports Partnerships on this initiative and it’s great to see that The Daily Mile is already being embraced by so many Primary Schools nationwide.”

Schools interested in starting The Daily Mile can find out more and sign up for free at www.thedailymile.ie 

For more information on The Daily Mile contact Nick Skelly on 085 801 7738 or at nickskelly@thedailymile.ie

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