Sport Ireland is encouraging those interested in physical activity and those who support others in being active – such as teachers, coaches, and instructors – to sign up for one of 20 workshops that it is running nationwide during Understanding Physical Literacy Week (March 22-30).
Physical literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding that enables a person to value and participate in physical activity throughout their life.
“Physical Literacy is more than movement skills; it’s understanding why movement matters,” said Declan O’Leary, Sport Ireland Coaching Development Manager.
“It’s the foundation for lifelong physical activity, well-being, and disease prevention. It can help you unlock the gateway to lifelong participation in physical activity.”
The Understanding Physical Literacy (UPL) workshops show how Physical Literacy can be used to create positive experiences that promote lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.
Sport Ireland tutors will get participants to consider the definition of physical literacy and how its principles can be included in physical activity so that they contribute to the holistic development of the whole person, which includes their thoughts, feelings, and movements.
“Physical literacy is important because it is both a gateway to and an outcome of lifelong participation in physical activity,” said Melanie McKee, who is a senior lecturer in PE and Sport at Stranmillis University College.
“As physical literacy provides the foundations and pathway for lifelong participation in physical activity, the UPL workshop aims to promote and facilitate a consistent understanding of the all-island definition for physical literacy,” added Melanie, who designed the UPL workshop and delivers tutor training for it.”
“It does so by providing a professional development opportunity for practitioners interested in helping others develop their physical literacy throughout the life course.”
Since 2018 Sport Ireland has delivered 85 Understanding Physical Literacy workshops and online seminars around the country and 80 tutors have been trained to deliver courses.
Understanding Physical Literacy Week runs from March 22-30. Workshops are taking place in a number of counties including Dublin, Cavan, Louth, Wexford, Meath, Clare, Kilkenny, Cork, Mayo, Longford, Limerick and Monaghan. There are also a number of online workshops taking place.
Selected events taking place through the week:
Swim Ireland – Tuesday, March 25th from. 7pm-10pm. (Online)
Active South Dublin – Wednesday, March 26th. 6.30pm-9.30pm (Online)
Cycling Ireland – Wednesday, March 26th. 6.30pm (Online)
Community Games – Thursday, March 27th. (Online)
Badminton Ireland – Thursday, March 27th. 7.30-9pm (Online)
Further Reading for Sport for Business Members: Sport Ireland Core Funding Details for 2025
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Understanding why movement is important is a critical step towards making it happen, not only for those who want to be fitter but also for those who need to be.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The activities run from Saturday 22nd March to Sunday 30th.
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