Award programme to promote sport in schools

A nationwide schools award programme to raise awareness about the value of sport and PE will be launched today by Minister for Education Mary Hanafin.

The Active Award campaign, funded by the Department of Education, provides an incentive for schools to develop and improve their physical education schemes.

All primary and post-primary schools have been invited to participate and the organisers are expecting increased interest this year.

“St Clare’s Primary School won the county award last year and is a perfect example of how physical activity can be incorporated into the school day in a very innovative and effective way,” a Department of Education spokeswoman said.

“St Clare’s run a Wake & Shake morning programme, a Busy Breaks regime, Lunch Time League and after school activities as well as a Walking Bus initiative which is part of the Green Schools Programme and its North South Camogie Blitz.”

Last year’s winners were St Christopher’s, Longford, Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, Laytown, Co Meath who won the primary school category and Stella Maris, Tramore, Co Waterford who won the secondary school category.

The closing date for submissions is April 4 and those interested in participating should log on to www.activeschoolawards.ie

The launch will take place in St Clare’s Primary School, Harold’s Cross, Dublin at 11.15am.