Vhi and IYF invite young people to ‘Run for Fun’ in 2020
Just Ask homework club members celebrate first 5km parkrun
Vhi announces new fund to help Dublin clubs join ‘Run for Fun’ programme
25th November 2019: The achievements of 15 young people from Just Ask Homework Club, Dominic Street, were recognised last Saturday the 23rd of November, at Fairview parkrun as part of the Run For Fun programme 2019. Run for Fun is a programme established by Vhi, in partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF), that encourages young people from disadvantaged communities in Ireland to embrace the benefits offered through running. Run For Fun was initially piloted in 2017 and since then over 170 young people have taken part in the programme across Cork, Dublin, Galway and Kilkenny. The eight-week programme builds the self-esteem and resilience of young people through a specialised fitness and nutrition programme.
Saturday’s 5km parkrun in Fairview Park marks the culmination of eight weeks of Run for Fun training for the participants from Just Ask. Each of the participant’s received a medal to mark the special occasion, from Cllr Deirdre Heney, who deputised on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe.
The young participants are recruited through their local clubs, with fitness instructors and nutritionists brought in to share expert advice and tailor training plans to their interests. Each week the group work to improve their fitness levels and lead healthier lifestyles, building to their first 5km at their local parkrun.
John O ‘Dwyer, CEO, Vhi said “I wish to congratulate the young people of Just Ask for their achievements today and to acknowledge the time and effort they and their youth leader put in to get to this day. Vhi developed this innovative programme in partnership with the IYF, to help break down the barriers to fitness and to empower young people in disadvantaged areas to transform their diet and fitness. We’re looking forward to linking with new groups in communities where Vhi have a presence and working together to support young people.”
Lucy Masterson, CEO, Irish Youth Foundation said, “We’re delighted to be working with Vhi, who are leading the push for community fitness through their partnerships with the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon and parkrun in partnership with Vhi. This programme is an excellent opportunity for young people in underserved areas to boost their self-esteem and reach their full potential. By opening the Run for Fun to new community groups, we will be able to create positive change for even more young people across Ireland.”
This is the third year of Run for Fun and Run for Fun 2020 will take place over an 8-week period from January – March 2020.
Vhi has also announced a new element to the successful programme. For the first time, youth organisations nationwide are encouraged to apply for their club to be chosen for the 2020 programme. Vhi has created a national fund of €25,000, and with grants for five programmes in underprivileged areas across Ireland.
To apply for ‘Run for Fun’ funding, the organisation must be a charity or not for profit organisation, working with children and young people, living in underserved communities in the Republic of Ireland. 5 grants of €5,000 will be allocated to support projects in areas where Vhi has a presence. The fund is currently open and will accept applications until the 6th December 2019 at 6pm. For further information please visit https://iyf.ie/vhirunforfun/.
parkrun in partnership with Vhi supports local communities to get outdoors and active together, with over 100 free, weekly, timed 5km runs every Saturday morning at local venues across Ireland. Over 10,000 people of every age and ability taking part each week, made possible by more than 1,000 enthusiastic volunteers from Bere Island to Ballina to Ballinteer.
ENDS