This year’s Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Every Step Counts Challenge, run on the MyLife App, saw 39,000 participants from over 1,000 clubs track a record 7 million kilometres in just 5 weeks.
That is the equivalent of walking between Croke Park and SuperValu Pairc Uí Chaoimh 26,217 times.
A total of 1,046 GAA clubs participated in the challenge, an increase of 110 clubs from 2024
This year saw the biggest increase in participation among younger cohorts (18-29 yrs) measurably improving their health through physical activity and social connection. This is an important impact given that Irish Life’s Health of the Nation Report last year found that under 35s had the biggest declines in their health.
The initiative was recognised as having the Best Societal Impact at the 2024 Irish Sponsorship Awards, and continues to be a driving force for wellbeing in the community.
Last year’s numbers set a new high for the challenge in its fifth year.
136 clubs took part from Connacht, 347 from Leinster, 277 from Munster, and 286 from Ulster. Between them they encouraged almost 39,000 participants to track an average of 5km per day, totalling a record-breaking 7.03 million kilometres over the 5 weeks.
Members and Communities
The challenge runs concurrently with the GAA’s ever-popular Ireland Lights Up initiative that sees clubs across Ireland turn on their lights and welcome their members and communities to come together for weekly social walks during the dark winter months, supporting their physical and social health.
Looking to put a number on the impact of the initiative, our national Health Score via the MyLife app is 520. The resulting health impact among this year’s challenge participants has been an average MyLife Health Score of 592 – 72 points above the national average.
“Taking part this year was a fantastic experience for the club. Over the five weeks, our Tuesday night walking events became a highlight in the community, bringing people of all ages together to enjoy a walk and talk on our floodlit walking track around our pitch.”
“The challenge not only promoted fitness but also strengthened community spirit, providing a great social outlet for everyone involved.”
“Having the facility to log our steps on the MyLife App as a club was a great way to engage all members of the community especially those members who could not attend on Tuesday nights but still wanted to get involved and play their part.”
Mission to Support
“We launched the MyLife app 6 years ago with a clear mission to support people across Ireland to take control of their health and wellbeing,” said Kate Casey, Head of Wellbeing Propositions at Irish Life.
“I am delighted to see almost 39,000 participants in the challenge this year, truly improving their health and inspiring their communities. It demonstrates the winning combination of great technology and a wonderful partnership with the GAA.”
“While wellbeing can be a subjective experience, the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Every Step Counts Challenge gives us objective data on the impact this phenomenal initiative is having on the health of our members and our communities,” added Colin Regan, GAA Community and Health Manager and a speaker at our Sport for Business Sport for Social Good event last year.
“The incredible numbers achieved are down to the priceless contribution of our volunteer GAA Healthy Clubs Officers. They are the engine room of the Steps Challenge and the Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme overall and deserve great recognition.”
The Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Programme delivers health and wellbeing benefits worth €50M to Ireland, an independent Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation completed by Just Economics in 2023 highlighted the significant health and wellbeing gains for participants, including increases in physical activity and adopting of healthier behaviours.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members: Sport for Business Sport for Social Good 2024 Reviewed
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
A great initiative at a time of the year when people are most likely to seek to do something positive. This makes it easier in a social setting and ties in with Government funding of walking tracks and lighting right up to this week’s announcement of an additional €14 million from the Department of Rural and Community Affairs. A winning virtuous circle of positive impact.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Watch out in the next two weeks for features on the role of physical fitness in public health and the in the workplace.
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