Ulster Rugby Hosts School Kids For Daily Mile Santa Run

Three schools have taken part in the Daily Mile Santa Run at Kingspan Stadium, as part of a campaign by Ulster Rugby to encourage young people to stay active.

Ulster Rugby players joined pupils and staff from Cregagh Primary School, St Michael's Primary School and Rosetta Primary School, along with local MPs and MLAs, at Kingspan Stadium for The Daily Mile Santa run.

The annual run encourages primary schools and nurseries across Northern Ireland to get moving on the same day to celebrate the positive benefits that daily activity has on our mental health.

Dr Barbara McConnell, Co-Chair of the NI Daily Mile Network and Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood studies in Stranmillis University College, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the uptake for the annual Daily Mile Santa Run. Last year, we had over 80% of primary schools in NI register and participate in the Santa Run. We are hopeful that we will beat the record this year, and importantly get more children than ever running, wheeling, or walking their Daily Mile.

"The NI Daily Mile Network would like to thank everyone at Ulster Rugby, including the players, for taking time out of their busy training session to meet with the children, sign our pledge board of support, and importantly do their Daily Mile with the children at Kingspan Stadium."

Jonny Petrie, Ulster Rugby CEO, added: "We were delighted to host The Daily Mile at the stadium today. More than ever, we are all aware of the importance of staying physically active and, as a sports governing body, we want to encourage this across the province.

"It was great to see the young people encouraged to take part by the players, and hopefully it's a day that will inspire them to keep up the challenge.

"I would also like to thank, on behalf of Ulster Rugby, Claire Hanna MP, Naomi Long MLA, Kate Nicholl MLA, Paula Bradshaw MLA, David Brooks MLA, Andy Allen MLA and Councillor Michael Long for taking the time to join us at the event."