Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Imagine running a marathon when you are in sixth class. I have never run any marathon. My pinnacle was half the Connemarathon. Galway Sports Partnership and Healthy Galway are investing funds from Sport Ireland in Ballinasloe in preparation for a community sports hub application. Marathonkids Ireland is going to be run out in 30 primary schools, so children in sixth class will have the opportunity to embrace running and jogging.Being healthy and active at all ages is crucial to a general sense of well-being. Even going for a walk will clear one's head. It is crucial to get the routine of being active from a young age because it lasts and sets people up for life.

The Marathonkids Ireland programme has been proven to increase physical activity. Children can start running 600 m and the programme lasts eight weeks. The children get excited when they see their fitness level improve every week. When one learns the importance of being fit at a young age then one will be fit going into secondary school. Being active means young people have a healthy balance and it assists academically by improving focus and concentration. As part of the programme children will be supplied with workbooks and lessons on the benefits of exercise, and the importance of healthy nutrition and hydration. I thank the primary school pupils, and the principals and teachers who will take part in this activity as well.

There are great athletic pursuits in areas. I wish to highlight the fact that 700 children will participate in the finals of the Community Games that will take place at the University of Limerick this weekend. The scheme is so important in rural areas. I am sure that we probably all remember our first race because it was probably organised by the Community Games. From the start, all of these activities have been run by volunteers and it is the parents who have taken up the mantel of supporting the running of the Community Games. I wish all of the participants well this weekend and reiterate that sport is really important.