The Irish government is trying to encourage children to be healthy by the time they go off to secondary school with the introduction of a new sports programme.

Play Rugby is an initiative that launched earlier this week in an attempt to help kids get involved in sport.

Classroom plans and teaching aids will be given to primary schools, so that they can learn more about the activity and teach youngsters through a series of video clips, games, cards and exercises.

Leinster and Ireland rugby star Luke Fitzgerald said: "Play Rugby is a great way to introduce beginners to the game and also to continue the interest of those kids who may already be involved."

He added that the project will help kids conduct exercise in a "fun" way.

The organisers also stated it can help "promote co-operative play, teamwork and good sportsmanship" - good qualities for children to head off to secondary school with.

This comes after Irish Times writer Orla Tinsley suggested that teenagers should make sure they eat healthily when they head off to college to avoid problems with obesity.

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments