The Daily Mile was formally launched in Dublin yesterday with Minister of State for Sport Brendan Griffin donning his tracksuit and getting active himself.
Yesterday’s launch was part of the celebrations around European Week of Sport, and was hosted by Athletics Ireland in association with Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership.
Since launching in Scotland in 2012, The Daily Mile has grown exponentially with over 5,000 schools currently participating worldwide.
Since the initial launch in Ireland only last April, almost 300 schools have already registered and the number is expected to expand significantly over this school year.
Athletics Ireland has been appointed as the hub for the promotion and development of The Daily Mile in Ireland in collaboration with Local Authorities and Sports Partnerships.
“We are delighted to be leading this wonderful Primary Schools initiative that can make a great impact on the fitness, health, and general wellbeing of school children all over Ireland,” said Athletics Ireland President, Georgina Drumm.
“Athletics Ireland is fully committed to encouraging all Primary Schools to embrace The Daily Mile,” added Minister Griffin.
“We have already seen in Primary Schools like Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal in Inchicore that the impact of The Daily Mile can be transformational – improving not only children’s fitness but also their concentration levels, mood, behavior and general well-being.”
“The overall simplicity of “The Daily Mile” is to be admired. There is no extra cost, no extra equipment or sports kit. This initiative is all about getting children out into the fresh air and being active.”
Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring took time out from the events he is engaging with as part of the inaugural Dublin SportsFest to attend the launch as well.
“It’s great to be here at Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal to see The Daily Mile in action,” he said.
“It is a brilliant initiative. It’s great for the kids to get out and do a bit of exercise. It gets them away from the screens but also motivates them and I understand from speaking to the teachers that when they come in from that they are invigorated and motivated and their concentration levels are better. There’s so much positivity coming out of it and I just think it’s a brilliant initiative and long may it continue.”
“Sport Ireland is delighted to support The Daily Mile through the Local Sports Partnership network,” said CEO John Treacy.
“This is an excellent example of collaboration between a National Governing Body for Sport and the Local Sports Partnerships at a local level and will get many children out and active, which is vitally important for their physical and mental health.”
Anthony White is Manager of The Daily Mile Ireland and is motivated in getting every Primary School in Ireland involved in the initiative.
“The Daily Mile is so simple but so effective. It benefits not only children’s physical health but also their mental health. Our aim is to give every primary school child nationwide the opportunity to take part in The Daily Mile.”
Sign up today for our free daily news digest covering the commercial world of sport or discover the benefits of becoming a full member alongside the many leading organisations whom we serve.
