Childhood obesity is on the rise with the average child spending less than 10 minutes a day outside.

According to a study from 2023, 77.6% of boys and 84.7% of girls are insufficiently active. Initiatives like The Daily Mile – 15 minutes walk or run – promoted by Athletics Ireland, are vital to nurturing and developing healthy habits for children in primary schools.

“The Daily Mile, promoted by Athletics Ireland, has now been embraced by over 13,000 Primary Schools, who are making it part of their school day,” said Frank Greally, ambassador for The Daily Mile.

“We’re delighted that The Daily Mile now has an uplifting, inspiring theme song composed by Jack Plunkett and performed by Sina Theil.”

The song was launched last week at St Brigid’s NS in Castleknock.

Sina Theil is an award-winning artist and singer-songwriter. She is a health & wellness contributor to Irish Runner Magazine; a fitness enthusiast, psychologist, social media influencer and motivational speaker, as well as a TV and radio presenter.

Speaking about recording the The Daily Mile theme song, Sina said: “I’m delighted to support such a wonderful cause. Fitness and wellbeing are very important to me, especially when it comes to schools – that’s where we can really make a difference. With this song I hope to promote a healthy lifestyle among children all over the country by encouraging them to make it fun, get inspired and get outdoors.”

Niall Moyna, Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University said “There is no more important thing for a child than their physical and mental health and there is no better way to get it than through The Daily Mile – 15 minutes of walking or running a day.”

Irish distance running legend and mother Catherina McKiernan said: “When you see The Daily Mile in action in a primary school, you realise its positive impact on children from both physical and social aspects. I would encourage all primary schools to adopt this simple-to-organise daily exercise.”.

The Daily Mile single release coincides with the 70th anniversary month of Sir Roger Bannister becoming the first athlete in history to run a mile in under four minutes; a record he set on May 6th 1954.

The Daily Mile recording is now available for iTunes pre-order at https://sinatheil.lnk.to/dailymile and will be available on all major download & streaming platforms on May 26th.

The Daily Mile will feature as one of our highlighted initiatives at the 1st Annual Sport for Business Children and Sport Conference on Thursday, September 19th.

Secure Your Place for this special event here.

 

Athletics Ireland are full members of the Sport for Business Community.

The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations including all the leading sports and sponsors, commercial and state agencies. 

Find out more about joining us today.

Be part of the biggest community of sporting and business organisations in Ireland by becoming a member of Sport for Business and enjoying a host of benefits.

 

Check out our previous and upcoming events to discover ways of connecting in person with our membership.