Republic of Ireland Women’s National Football Team manager, Vera Pauw, has pledged her support to Sport Ireland’s “It’s My Time” campaign encouraging women over 40 to prioritise their wellbeing and take time to exercise and play sport.
The campaign was one of a number launched recently by Sport Ireland looking to reach out to different specific sectors of society.
Capturing Vera Pauw is something of a coup given her steering the Republic of Ireland to next Summer’s FIFA World Cup where they will open the tournament against Australia in Sydney.
She spoke to media yesterday about the selection of Brisbane as a base for the team and how things were developing within the squad.
Her appearance at this year’s Sport for Business Women in Sport Conference in may was a highlight of the Year and she resonates on so many levels with the Irish public.
“I’m very excited to support the ‘It’s My Time’ campaign, run by Sport Ireland, to encourage more women over the age of 40 to get involved and stay involved in sport on a regular basis,” she said.
“With so much stress in modern life, it has never been more important to get out and do something for yourself. Whether that is a morning walk or taking up a particular activity, just go do it – and have fun doing it.”
“Of course, I’m often on the football pitch coaching but in my own time, I like to cycle alongside my husband and go running too. Keeping active is a fantastic way to switch off from the demands of a busy schedule and to ensure that you get the regular workout that you need to operate at your maximum.”
“I would encourage everyone to find a purposeful activity. When moving is the tool, enjoyment kicks in. See what you really like to get engaged in.”
“At the FAI, we have a new Women’s KickFit programme, which is fantastic, and that is the kind of thing that will make keeping active fun and enable you to meet new people. I promise you won’t regret getting out there and saying ‘It’s My Time’.”
Repeated studies, including Sport Ireland’s Irish Sport Monitor, have shown that women over 40, particularly those from disadvantaged communities, are amongst the least likely to be physically active or play sport despite the positive impact physical activity can have on preventing and lessening menopause-related symptoms.
Research conducted by Sport Ireland highlighted just how time-poor and stretched women in their 40’s, 50s and 60s feel.
With commitments including work, commuting, childcare, family commitments, and managing the household, the result is that 41 percent don’t have time and almost two-thirds are often too tired to exercise.
Women interested in increasing their activity levels can log onto www.sportireland.ie/itsmytime to access specially commissioned exercise videos covering; fitness, flexibility, strength and balance, an educational series covering; muscle health, bone health, cardiovascular health, sleep health, mental health, well-being and nutrition as well as easy to follow and convenient healthy recipes.
The campaign has been championed by Sport Ireland Chief Executive Una May, Sport Ireland’s Women in Sport Lead Nora Stapleton and also supported by the Department of Health Women’s Health Taskforce and Healthy Ireland. Catherine Martin, Minister for Sport, Jack Chambers, Minster of State for Sport, and Frank Feighan Minister of State at the Department of Health have also extended their support for the campaign.
