New athletics programme targets young children
A new athletics programme aimed at enhancing vital physical development in young children was unveiled today.
The Little Athletics programme was designed to develop motor skills, such as agility, co-ordination and balance, in children aged between five and 10.
This age group was identified as the fundamental stage in the long-term physical development of children.
The programme, designed by Athletics Ireland and sponsored by McDonald’s, was launched by sports minister Martin Cullen and Olympic runner Sonia O’Sullivan .
“The programme focuses on introducing the fundamentals of athletic movement to children in a fun, exciting and non-competitive environment and the motor skills acquired are transferable to all other sports,” said the minister.
“By raising activity levels and encouraging participation by all, the programme aims to help develop a healthy lifestyle from an early age by stimulating a life long involvement in sport and activity.
“It is important that an enjoyable multi-sport and non-competitive model such as this is used to introduce our children to sport – something that will complement and enhance both our school and community sport programmes.”
Children in 200 athletics clubs across the country can look forward to playing with hula hoops, foam javelins and obstacles when Athletic Ireland regional officers visit them over the coming months.
The organisation said it hoped the new programme would transform grassroots athletics.
“The sponsorship of the Little Athletics programme by McDonald’s is a strong fit for Athletics Ireland as we both have a passion for getting children involved in a healthy lifestyle from a young age,” said Athletics Ireland chief executive Mary Coghlan.
“The programme helps this by making athletics fun for kids and now with McDonald’s we can work to increase participation across the country.”
