It was certainly a claus for celebration in the ABC borough last week, as an amazing 78 local early years, primary and secondary schools got into the festive spirit and took part in the first ‘Northern Ireland Does the Daily Mile’ Santa Run.
Taking place on Friday 3 December, the virtual mass participation event saw over 13,500 young people from across the borough run, jog, wheel and walk for fifteen minutes all while wearing their most festive costumes and accessories.
“Very well done to all the borough boys and girls that took part in the Daily Mile Santa Run last week, and really got into the spirit so gladly. The Daily Mile initiative provides the opportunity to enjoy a fun and sustainable physical activity that positively impacts the health and wellbeing for everyone – and I would encourage all schools to get involved!” commented Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Glenn Barr.
Adding a little competition into the mix, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council called on local schools to submit the most santa-sational pictures of their class taking part in the event for the chance to win a snow tubing session at Craigavon’s Golf and Ski Centre.
Picked at random from 30 brilliant entries, St Mary’s Primary School, Banbridge were selected as overall winners of the competition.
Overwhelmed by all the superb pictures, Lord Mayor Alderman Barr added:
“Thank you all for your fantastic competition entries – it was clear to see everyone had a wonderfully festive and fun time! And massive congratulations to our winners – St Mary’s Primary School in Banbridge – we hope you have brilliant time!”
Working in partnership with the Southern Health and Social Care (SHSC) Trust, ABC Council is committed to building a Daily Mile network of schools across the area, where all children, young people and adults can experience the many benefits of Daily Mile on a regular basis. Once registered through the Daily Mile Foundation, schools will receive all the support and resources needed to implement and sustain the initiative, as well as receiving localised assistance from ABC Council and SHSC Trust.
With over three million young people currently involved across the world, the Daily Mile initiative sees children run, jog, wheel or walk for fifteen minutes every day, in which time, most children will average a mile or more. The Daily Mile is organised by the Daily Mile Foundation in partnership with the Daily Mile Network NI.
For further information on how to register as an official Daily Mile setting, please contact Amanda Mogey at .
