Event puts fitness at the forefront

A country-wide event promoting the benefits of physical activity will take place later this month.

Launched this week by Ireland Active, National Fitness Day 2023 will see sports facilities across the country open their doors on 28 September.

Visitors of all ages will have the chance to participate in free activities and classes like yoga, aerobics, group exercise, swimming, and fitness training run by qualified and registered fitness instructors.

The slogan and theme of this year’s event is All Ages Active, with the goal of encouraging people from all age groups to get out and exercise on the day.

Schools are also encouraged to get involved with students challenging their teachers in the Take on the Teachers Challenge.

Schools can choose to take part in one of the suggested activities or come up with their own fun, inclusive activity to get everyone involved and moving on the day.

The event was launched at the Sport Ireland Campus on Monday with Irish cross country Olympian Catherina McKiernan and European Amateur Boxing Championships 2019 gold medallist Aoife O’Rourke, both of whom are ambassadors for the event.

McKiernan said: “As someone who has been involved in sport and fitness throughout my life, I appreciate the opportunities and benefits which being fit and healthy offers to people.”

O’Rourke added: “A key aim is to encourage as many schools as possible to take part in the Take on the Teacher Challenge. The choice of activity is up to your school, make it fun and inclusive while having the added bonus of giving your school the chance of winning one of the prizes on offer.”

National Fitness Day is spearheaded by Ireland Active and is supported by Sport Ireland, Healthy Ireland, and the European Commission. The event forms a key part of the European Week of Sport as part of the #BEACTIVE Day campaign and is now in its eighth year.

Also at the launch was Active Ireland CEO Karl Dunne who said: “After what has been a challenging time for our industry post pandemic and with increasing energy costs, we are really looking forward to seeing everyone get involved on the day and making use of our members excellent facilities on offer across the country.”

Information on the activities and participating Active Ireland facilities nationwide can be found on nationalfitnessday.ie.

Information will also be made available in the run up to the event across Ireland Active's social media channels.