PARENTS believe the presence of sporting role models on TV encourages their children to be more active, research has found.
A study by the National Lottery shows that 80 per cent of parents agreed that sports stars provided important inspiration.
This was especially true for girls, with 84 per cent of parents saying they felt an increased profile for female athletes gave their daughters relatable role models to aspire to.
With a new Northern Ireland record for medals won at a Commonwealth Games and the Northern Ireland women’s football team reaching the UEFA Women’s EURO tournament for the first time, it has been a successful summer of sport so far.
The National Lottery is now encouraging people looking for a way to get active, to take part in a parkrun this weekend.
The biggest mass participation event in Britain and Ireland, it has benefitted from more than £3.6 million.
Lady Mary Peters, an Olympic and Commonwealth champion, said it had been an inspirational summer of sport for the north, with success in athletics, gymnastics, swimming, boxing and para-triathlon.
"I really don't think we can underestimate the impact of these sporting role models on our young people. Listening to our athletes on TV so eloquently describing their personal journeys, their unwavering commitment to their sport, their gratitude for the support they have received both personally and financially and their great focus, grit and determination, has such a positive effect on the next generation of athletes, watching from home and dreaming about their hopes for the future," she said.
"Parkrun is certainly a great way to take that first step towards being active, even if the end goal is not to win Olympic gold. I'm a great believer in encouraging people of all ages, both disabled and able bodied to get out and give sport a go."
Regular Queen's parkrun volunteer and runner Vincent Bradley recognises the positive impact it has had on his family’s life.
His daughter Meabh was born with birth trauma leading to cerebral palsy. Meabh is in a wheelchair and is non-verbal though has, since March 2020, had the use of a communications device, provided through her speech therapist and school, which allows her to speak and communicate for the first time with those around her.
"Meabh just loves coming running with me. You may think that I am one of those pushy parents, bringing my daughter with me to parkrun just to do something I enjoy. But you have to understand, it is Meabh who insists on coming rain, hail or snow. She never wants to miss a Saturday, even if it means being dressed up in five layers and waterproofs on top," Mr Bradley said.
"Becoming involved in parkrun has been a real game-changer for Meabh and me. It gets us out in the air, active and involved in a broader parkrun family who look out for one another and encourage people of all abilities to get involved."
For more information on where to find your nearest free event, visit www.parkrun.org.uk.