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NI pupils shape up with sport
03 July 2009
Sport is enjoyed by most children, but their participation falls as they get older, new research has suggested.
Carried out by the Northern Ireland Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), the study found that although children actively participate in physical activity, this declines over a period of time, according to Chief Inspector Stanley Goudie.
Mr Goudie highlighted that it was up to organisations that have interests in children's wellbeing to ensure they are taking care of their personal health as they get older.
He said that the inspectorate recommends that the Departments of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Education (DCAL) and Employment and Learning should 'collaborate to continue to develop strategies that support the introduction of sports and other physical activities, in order to lessen the potential for children and young people to develop sedentary lifestyles'.
The report, which was commissioned by DCAL and Sport Northern Ireland, recommends a ten-year strategy be devised to encompass sport and recreation.
In related news, last month saw Junior Ministers Jeffrey Donaldson MLA and Gerry Kelly MLA release a document designed to increase child protection provision throughout Northern Ireland.
The cross-department initiative also discussed what additional measures may need to be taken.