(20.10.09)
PADDY WALLACE AND JOE MC MAHON ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO GET FIT WITH LIDL AND ULSTER CANCER FOUNDATION
Northern Ireland’s No. 1 discount retailer, Lidl and its charity partner, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF), are delighted to announce Ulster Rugby fly half Paddy Wallace and Tyrone footballer Joe McMahon as judges for the second year of the Lidl Fit Factor. Last year, the Lidl Fit Factor was a huge success with over 10,000 local school children taking part. Pupils benefited from a greater understanding of the importance of healthy eating and physical activity in their every day lives.
As the second year of the Lidl Fit Factor gets underway, the programme which is free of charge for schools, is calling on all Primary 3 and 4 classes to register for the challenge that gives schools the chance to win a share of the £12,000 prize fund. The 4-week programme is designed to help teachers educate their class about the importance of the four key areas essential for healthy development: healthy eating, self expression, physical activity and creativity – thus increasing their chances of becoming healthy adults. During the course of the challenge, classes submit a creative project which can include anything from songs, poems, pictures to DVDs and collages. A regional winner will be chosen for each county and the school will then get £1,000 worth of Podium4Sport vouchers and are all eligible for the top prizes of £3,000, £2,000 and £1,000 in vouchers for Podium4Sport.
Paddy Wallace and Joe McMahon will then cast their eyes over the creative projects submitted by all the regional winners and their decision will be combined with the results of an online vote to find the next winner of the Lidl Fit Factor.
Speaking about the Lidl Fit Factor, Paddy Wallace says; “I am delighted to have been asked to become a judge for the second year of the Lidl Fit Factor. I think that encouraging children to engage in physical activity and healthy eating is a very positive thing and I am happy to lend my support. I look forward to seeing all the creative projects submitted by all the schools so get your registration in before the deadline of October 31st!” Joe McMahon adds; “Working in schools means I get to see firsthand how a programme like this can benefit the children as well as the school. Having top class sports equipment in schools for me is essential and I am delighted that schools are given such a great incentive to participate because of the prizes on offer.”
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF said, “We are delighted to work with Lidl again to bring key healthy lifestyle messages to local children through the second year of the Lidl Fit Factor. This multifaceted programme highlights the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles, and promotes positive self esteem whilst encouraging artistic and sporting endeavours.” Gerry concluded, “Research shows that the risk of developing many cancers, such as cancer of the bowel, stomach, mouth, oesophagus and breast, can be reduced significantly by improved nutrition and an active lifestyle. As a central part of UCF’s Youth Cancer Prevention Strategy, this initiative aims to communicate positive messages to children in a fun way, leading to a healthier lifelong approach to diet and physical activity.”
Lizzie Lumsden from Lidl Northern Ireland GmbH added, “This is the second year of the highly successful partnership between Lidl and UCF and we hope that the Lidl Fit Factor competition will be even bigger this year. Having judges of such a high calibre like Paddy and Joe really adds to the excitement as they are such positive role models for kids.”
To find out more information on how to register your class for the Lidl Fit Factor visit www.fitfactor.co.uk. The deadline for registration is October 31st. Following registration, teachers will receive a free Teachers’ Toolkit, which will provide all the information needed to take part. If you have any queries please call Clare Smith, your dedicated education adviser at UCF, on 028 9068 0736 or email claresmith@ulstercancer.org.
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