Ireland Active has announced the launch of National Fitness Day 2023, which will take place on the 28^th of September this year. The event was launched at the Sport Ireland Campus with ambassadors Catherina McKiernan and Aoife O’Rourke joining Ireland Active CEO Karl Dunne in attendance.

National Fitness Day, which is spearheaded by Ireland Active and is supported by Sport Ireland, Healthy Ireland and the European Commission, aims to promote the benefits of physical activity, whilst showcasing the range of facilities, sports and options available across the country. 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.

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. Across the country, participating Ireland Active Members will open their facilities on the day itself, where visitors of all ages will have the chance to participate in free activities and classes, including spin, yoga, aerobics, group exercise, swimming  and fitness training run by qualified and registered fitness instructors.

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.

Speaking about the event, Ireland Active CEO Karl Dunne said, “we are delighted today to launch the eighth annual National Fitness Day. At Ireland Active, we are passionate about promoting and leading the leisure, health and fitness sector to develop a fitter, healthier Ireland. This year’s National Fitness Day will run as part of the European Week of Sport and we are encouraging everyone to get involved under our theme for this year of All Ages Active. 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.”

Catherina McKiernan, event ambassador, Irish Olympian and European Cross Country champion said, “I’m really pleased to be involved as an ambassador with National Fitness Day this year. 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. National Fitness Day this year is open to everyone, If you’re unsure of where to start on your fitness journey or just want to take part in a fun activity, check out what’s on offer in your local area.”

Aoife O’Rourke, event ambassador, European boxing gold-medallist and Olympian said, “I’m delighted to be involved as an ambassador for National Fitness Day 2023. The event aims to give everyone the chance to get involved in an inclusive way and get more active. 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 to participating schools.”

Information on the activities and participating facilities nationwide can be found on www.nationalfitnessday.ie. Information will also be made available in the run up to the event across Ireland Active’s social media channels.

Source: Ireland Active