The start of the spring season brings a week of events to promote health and wellbeing for staff and students at IT Sligo, as part of the annual Physical Activity and Health Week.
Organised by Sports Development Officer and students of the Bachelor of Business in Sport and Wellness, the week features a packed programme of activities and information sessions to encourage staff and students to get active.
Ross Lappin, Sports Development Officer, explains; “We have fantastic facilities on campus and this week is organised to promote physical activity as a fun pastime and a great ‘destessor’ for our students and staff.”
Sligo Rovers, National Para Cycling title holder Gerry Towey, and a range of events from Zumba, spinning, yoga and walks all feature in the programme.
Lecturer on the Bachelor of Business in Sport and Wellness, Paula Roddy, said there are huge physical and mental benefits to be gained from keeping active; “Activity and exercise helps us to keep fit and healthy but it also contributes significantly to our overall sense of wellness because it encourages the release of chemicals in your brain that have a positive effect on your mood.
“Our students learn that the importance of physical activity is twofold and this week is an opportunity for them to promote and encourage physical activity amongst their peers and to create a sense of community in sport,” she said. “Third level students are subject to many pressures during the academic year and the average age group for third level students are in a high risk category for mental health issues. The promotion of physical activity and aspects of wellness is important to provide them with the necessary skills to help deal with these pressures”
All staff and students are invited to get involved in Physical Activity & Health Week. For a full programme of events, see below:
February Monday, 4th
- Sligo Rovers, with Airtricity Trophy and players @1:05pm-2:00pm A0006
Talk by Sligo Rovers Manager and players - Soccer Tournament, seven-a-side €14 per team with cash prize winners take all. Astro pitch @ Knocknarea Arena 6pm-8pm
February Tuesday, 5th
Physical Activity & Disability Inclusion Talk @ 1:05pm Room A0005 focusing on local availability of physical activity and sport for people with disabilities, inclusive sports, personal experiences from athletes with disabilities and career possibilities in the area.
Speakers are as follows:
- Shane Hayes – Sports inclusion disability officer with Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership.
- Jerome McGirl – Coordinator of services for adults with physical and sensory disabilities in the HSE (Sligo, Leitrim, West Cavan area). Hand cycle athlete.
- Stephen Melvin – IT Sligo student and International wheelchair basketball player.
- Gerry Towey – National Para cycling title holder (C4-C5 Solo bike).
Zumba Class 6pm-7pm in Hume Hall only €1 per person, Get ready to dance
Launch of the “Employee Wellness Challenge 2013” in the Knocknarea Arena @ 1.45
February Wednesday, 6th
- 2K ‘Walk Away’ from the Main Reception @ 12noon-3:00pm
Spinning Class only €1 per person, @ 6.00pm-7.00pm in the Knocknarea Arena
February Thursday, 7th
- Women’s Soccer intervarsities , 7th/8th/9th Feb
- Games K.O. 11:00am & K.O 3:00pm at the Knocknarea Arena
February Friday, 8th
- Yoga @ 1.00pm in the Knocknarea Arena €1 per person
- Women’s Soccer intervarsities K.O. 11:00am & K.O 3:00pm at the Knocknarea Arena
February Saturday, 9th
- WSCAI Women’s Soccer Intervarsities Final, Games K.O. 11:00am & K.O 2:00pm at the Knocknarea Arena
Staff and students can also use the gym/fitness suite in the Knocknarea Arena for just €1 throughout the week. For more information contact Ross Lappin, Sports Development Officer, at lappin.ross@nullitsligo.ie
The Sligo Rovers Manager Ian Baraclough and some of the team attended an event onthe first day of the 2013 Physical Activity and Health Week at IT Sligo . Also pictured are students Shane McGinty and Hugh McFadden and Sports Development Officer Ross Lappin.