Why fitness must be on par with maths and science in schools
Professor Niall Moyna of the Centre for Preventive Medicine at DCU was speaking following publication of results of the Aviva Health’s Schools Fitness Challenge, which saw 219 secondary schools from 24 counties make physical fitness a priority over a six-week period.
More than 8,000 first and second year students completed the challenge, having upped their exercise activity over the six weeks. Oaklands Community College in Edenderry was named ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’, having completed an average of 89 shuttle runs. Students reached fitness goals by doing 20 minutes of aerobic activity at the start of every PE class, partaking in extra physical exercise during mid-term break and going for walks and runs along the canal.
