Sport Is Key To Children's Development Says Ruane

Speaking during the visit, the Minister said, “Playing sport can be one of the most enjoyable pastimes in life and is a fantastic way of encouraging young people to embrace physical exercise. Not only does sport work to combat and prevent obesity, it helps children develop confidence, make new friends and even concentrate better in class. “My Department has been delivering a sports’ programme in primary schools right across the north for over three years, with almost 600 schools and over 33,000 pupils currently involved. Coaches from the GAA and IFA, funded through the programme, have helped children embrace sport through a range of fun activities based on soccer and Gaelic games. “I commend the staff at St Dallan’s for encouraging pupils to get involved and be active and I thank St Peter’s GAA Club for offering their coaching skills. Perhaps some of these young people will earn representative honours for their own county in the future.”]]>