Ken Boland, The School Food Company, Norma O’Brien, Colaiste Mhuire, Askeaton Principal, Jessie Nash, Caoimhe Boyce, Tara Walsh, Conor Brosnan, Jeff Duggan, Ciara O’Donnell, John Bourke, Vice Principal, Íde Trant, Nicola Dore, Limerick Para-Powerlifter and past pupil Jessie Barr, Irish Olympic hurdler.
Eamonn Walshe Colaiste Mhuire C25K
Jessie Barr (Irish Olympic hurdler), Nicola Dore (Limerick Para-Powerlifter) and Ken Boland (The School Food Company) are joining staff and students of Coláiste Mhuire to launch their annual C25K (Couch to 5k) initiative for the entire school community.The C25K programme begins on Tuesday January 19th in conjunction with the Coláiste Mhuire Well-Being week.The programme consists of a 12week training programme followed by a 5k run/walk in Askeaton on Sunday April 24th.
Each participant will complete a training programme based on their current fitness levels. The training programme requires each participant to complete 3 physical activity sessions per week with one group session taking place each Tuesday afternoon. For the purpose of this physical activity programme,each participant will use an app called ‘C25K’ which can be downloaded on any smart phone. This will act as a guide for each physical activity session. Nutrition guidance and advice will be provided in conjunction with the School Food Company.
This initiative is based on the idea that Ireland is currently a ‘Third World’ nation when it comes to the physical sporting health of its people. According to leading health professor Niall Moyna, “As a nation we talk the talk in terms of health, physical activity and sport, however we are couch potato sports people”. He also explains, “we’ve known now for years that, as a nation, we are less active and becoming heavier. Only 12% of 10 to 18 year olds get the recommended hour of physical activity each day. Obviously we know if you’re overweight and inactive it increases the likelihood that you’re going to get heart disease”. This is an extremely worrying trend because obese children tend to become obese adults.
Apart from the health implications of this, a child’s psychological wellbeing is also affected. “Even more devastating to an overweight child than the health problems is the social discrimination. Children who are teased a lot about their weight often develop low self-esteem and depression”, Prof Moyna explained.
Furthermore, research suggests that both students and teachers productivity levels increase when their overall health and well-being is prioritised. Christopher Bergland states that “physically active students have increased concentration and enhanced attention spans when compared to their less active peers”. These results point to the important potential of approaches focusing on physical activity for strengthening children’s health and educational attainment. It is important for us as educators to consider this evidence and promote physical activity in the school setting, which is where young people spend much of their time. Therefore, we are encouraging all members of the Coláiste Mhuire community to get up, get active and join us for our annual 5k run/walk on April 24th.