Centra ‘Live Well’ initiative encourages NI kids to get active
NI schoolchildren are being encouraged to enter the 2017 Health Action Awards, as part of Centra’s ‘Live Well’ initiative.
The awards see the convenience retailer team up with Action Cancer for the 15th year of the Health Action Schools’ Programme.
Schools, nurseries and colleges are being encouraged to enter the awards, which will take place on June 6.
Judges are looking for schools involved in health promotion, providing healthy meal options in their cafeteria, promoting extra fruit and water in school, taking part in extra-curricular exercise programmes, or running cancer awareness initiatives.
There are Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards for nursery, primary, secondary schools or colleges, with over 60 schools expected to be recognised.
A prize of £200 for purchasing school equipment is also up for grabs, and will be awarded to the highest scoring pre-school or nursery, as well as each of the top scoring primary schools, secondary schools or colleges in each of the five Education and Library Boards.
Action Cancer health promotion officer, Amy Thompson, said: “This has been a very successful year for Action Cancer in terms of delivering important health education in schools. We are hoping that local schools will be inspired to enter the 2017 Health Action Awards, allowing us to celebrate the great work they have carried out promoting good health and well-being to pupils.”
Nikki McDowell, Centra’s brand manager added: “Centra has been the proud sponsor of Action Cancer’s Health Action programme since 2003, with stores and Musgrave NI staff raising £1.5 million for the initiative. The programme provides life-saving work by engaging young people with smart ways to improve their health and fitness levels.”
The unique Health Action Schools’ Programme has delivered healthy lifestyle messages to more than 500,000 young people since its launch 14 years ago.
More than 1,000 nurseries, schools and colleges in Northern Ireland have benefitted from the cancer prevention sessions which include information about keeping fit and active, eating well, being safe in the sun and avoiding the dangers of smoking and alcohol.
Schools, nurseries and colleges can obtain entry forms by contacting Action Cancer on 028 9080 3343 or by emailing Rebecca Dalzell at rdalzell@actioncancer.org. Completed Health Action Award forms must be returned to Action Cancer by 24th February 2017 and successful schools will be notified at the end of April 2017.
