Northside youth run for fun

THE achievements of a group of north inner city youngsters were recognised at an event recently for their participation in an initiative that promotes the benefits of running.

Fifteen people from the Just Ask Homework Club in Dominic Street received a medal after taking part in the Fairview parkrun as part of the Run For Fun programme 2019.

Run for Fun, established by Vhi, in partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF), encourages young people from disadvantaged communities in Ireland to embrace the benefits offered through running.

It was initially piloted in 2017 and since then over 170 young people have taken part in the programme across Dublin, Cork, Galway and Kilkenny. The eight-week programme builds the self-esteem and resilience of young people through a specialised fitness and nutrition programme.

The Fairview Park event marked the culmination of eight weeks of Run for Fun training for the participants from Just Ask.

Each participant received a medal to mark the special occasion from Cllr Deirdre Heney (FF), who deputised on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe.

Participants are recruited through their local clubs, with fitness instructors and nutritionists brought in to share expert advice and tailor training plans to their interests. Each week the group work to improve their fitness levels and lead healthier lifestyles, building to their first 5km at their local parkrun.

John O ‘Dwyer, chief executive of Vhi, said: “I wish to congratulate the young people of Just Ask for their achievements and to acknowledge the time and effort they and their youth leader put in to get to this day. 

“Vhi developed this innovative programme in partnership with the IYF, to help break down the barriers to fitness and to empower young people in disadvantaged areas to transform their diet and fitness.”