The Minister of State for Training and Skills, Ciarán Cannon T.D., today formally launched Active School Week 2014 at Farmleigh House in Dublin.
Active School Week is a central part of the Active School Flag Initiative which recognises schools that strive to achieve a physically active and physically educated school community by awarding them the Active School Flag.
The initiative is open to primary and post primary schools, special schools and Youthreach centres. To date over 350 schools have been awarded the Flag and it is expected that this number will increase to more than 500 by the end of the year.
Launching Active School Week Minister Cannon said, “I would encourage schools across the country to get more active. It is a wonderful opportunity for schools to promote physical activity and raise awareness of Physical Education (PE).
“I hope that all schools will get involved and I would ask that schools and parents encourage children of all ages to participate in this initiative. We all know how important it is to be physically active and I believe this initiative can enhance the PE experience of children and young people.”
The Department of Education & Skills and the HSE are co-sponsors of the Active School Week. Dr. Stephanie O'Keeffe, HSE National Director of Health and Wellbeing, said today that: 'the current generation of primary school children is probably more active in organised sporting activity than any that preceded it. This is a real achievement and one we need to sustain, as we know the value of activity in promoting health and preventing illness in later life. We want to support and celebrate the teachers, parents, principals, sports clubs, volunteers and government funding that are enabling this positive trend.' Ireland Active is also demonstrating its support of the initiative by offering complimentary swim passes to participating schools during the week. Healthy Ireland, the government’s framework for improving the health and wellbeing of the country, has agreed to sponsor the Active Flags for the coming year.
This initiative reflects the commitment of the Department of Education and Skills, the HSE, and Healthy Ireland in the promotion of students’ well-being and interests. The Active Flag is an endorsement for schools that have achieved aphysical educated and physically active school community.
The Active School Flag is administered and based in Mayo Education Centre, Castlebar, Co Mayo.
For further information on Active School Flag go to http://www.activeschoolflag.ie/