BALLYMUN hero and Dublin GAA star, Philly McMahon, is backing a new initiative developed to encourage young people from disadvantaged areas to take up running.
Pictured at the launch in Bradog Regional Youth Service in Dublin 1 are youth worker Amanda Shaw, with youth participants Sarah Bardon, Casey Nolan, Philly McMahon, Sabina Cotter (Irish Youth Foundation), Shannon Delahunty, Saoirse Glennon, Holly Bardon and Abbie Dyer (lying across front).
‘Run For Fun’ has been created by the Irish Youth Foundation and is supported by Vhi. Philly has been involved with the development of the programme.
“It’s very important for young people to get involved in sport at a young age,” he said. “Not just for their physical health but for their mental health. We’ve developed a 12-week programme to help young people get active.
“For me, the most important thing is unlocking the potential of a young person and helping them feel good about themselves through activity and fitness.
“That’s what the Run For Fun programme is all about.”
There are more than 50 young people taking part in the programme across three locations in in Cork, Kilkenny and Dublin at Bradog Regional Youth Service.