AS schools close to reduce the spread of coronavirus, and parents take on their new-found responsibilities as teachers, a team of educators and sports coaches have launched a free initiative to promote physical activity at home.
Healthy Kidz, an engaging fitness programme that champions physical activity in schools, has launched its Global Challenge to support parents with a programme of activities and resources.
Launching this week, the challenge calls on families everywhere to get involved and increase their levels of activity through physical and fun based challenges.
Every week, a new set of challenges, tutorials, tips and nutritional advice will be posted on the Healthy Kidz social media channels. Those registered for the Global Challenge will be encouraged to complete as much activity as possible and record it on the Healthy Kidz app.
Any user who manages to complete the week's set challenge, registering a seven-day streak, will be in with a chance of winning a range of prizes in a weekly draw.
Thousands of young people are shut out of schools for the rest of the summer in Northern Ireland.
Paul Carvill, Director of Coaching at Healthy Kidz, said the Global Challenge offered an engaging solution to combat inactivity during this time.
"It's important that our children and young people remain fit and active in the weeks and months ahead, but we recognise that the constraints of social distancing and the added responsibility on parents to entertain and take on the role of educator will be challenging," he said.
"Having witnessed the significant positive impact the programme has had in our school communities we knew we had an effective resource that could play a valuable role within the family setting.
"Our tried-and-tested programme has been updated to respond to the emerging needs of parents and families. It will equip them with a motivational and rewards-based framework to improve physical and mental wellbeing in children and young people through this difficult time."
Since 2016, Healthy Kidz has delivered comprehensive and tailored physical education packages for schools throughout the north and Republic.
Facilitated by a team of more than 50 qualified coaches, Healthy Kidz has guided thousands of primary school level children through its in-school pathway, which also emphasises the importance of mental health, wellbeing and nutrition.
An estimated 15,000 pupils from 120 schools participate every week.
"I know it has been a tough time for everyone and there will be further challenges ahead, but let's remain positive and make our health a priority over the coming months," Mr Carvill added.
:: For more information about Healthy Kidz or to sign-up for its Global Challenge, visit healthy-kidz.com.
