The Irish Sports Council Challenge - Invitation to Get Active

John Treacy launched the 2013 edition of the Sports Council Challenge at a Sport & Business Seminar at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown. The Council is inviting companies and organizations to join them in a challenge to get staff more physically active. The aim is to raise the bar on workplace wellbeing and promote a better work-life balance for our companies and organizations across the country.

The Challenge ran for the first time in 2012 and was hugely successful. 55 organisations took part in a wide variety of physical activity challenges that provided an enjoyable and healthy outlet for the groups that took part. This year the Council is hoping to increase that number and throw down the gauntlet again to last year's entrants.

The Sports Council Challenge runs from 29 April to 24 May. Companies will set targets such as walking/hiking to the distance to the top of Kilimanjaro or cycling the equivalent of stages of the Tour de France. These are virtual challenges so employees can complete them on their own doorstep. All companies are free to choose any type of challenge, the sky is the limit.

Companies will set a challenge to increase their current level of activity which is recorded. The aim is that each person involved achieves at least 150 minutes of physical activity individually per week. Team challenges and other activities are also encouraged. All physical activity counts so it will be easier than it sounds.
Registration is now open and the closing date for submitting applications is 19 April. Full details on the Sports Council Challenge are available on www.irishsportscouncil.ie and our Sports Council Challenge Facebook page.

The Council has enlisted the support of a range of familiar faces from sport such as double Olympian Eoin Rheinisch and Dublin GAA icon Jason Sherlock to promote the Challenge. Speaking at today's event, Eoin Rheinisch said: "This is a great initiative as it creates physical activity opportunities in the work place which these days tends to be a sedentary environment."

Registered companies will compete for the Sports Council Challenge Awards which will include one for Best Media Campaign and a new award this year for Best Fundraiser. The Awards Night will take place on 6 June and will be attended by special guests from the world of sport.

The last word goes to Council Chief Executive, John Treacy who issues the Challenge to all companies and particularly those who want to help raise money for charity as part of their efforts:

"I would ask every company and organization to sign up for the Sports Council Challenge this May and make a real difference to the health & well being of their employees. This year, we are delighted to have Special Olympics Ireland on board as our charity partner and we would ask that companies consider raising some funds for this important cause."