THE Sporting Chance course at National Learning Network in Tralee was announced as winners of the Nutramino Inclusive Health and Fitness Award at a ceremony in the Mansion House in Dublin earlier this month.
The award recognises the work students from the Sporting Chance course have been doing in the area of inclusive sport, physical activity and exercise.
This is the inaugural year of the awards which recognise the accomplishments of facilities, individuals and programmes from across the fitness and leisure industry throughout Ireland.
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As part of their course, Sporting Chance students organise a number of sport and physical activity programmes for children and adults of all abilities.
Among these are an athletics coaching programme with children from Nano Nagle school in Listowel; A swimming programme with children from the autism unit in Killahan National School; an Easter activities camp with teenagers from Kerry Intervention Disability Services; Activity sessions with adults from Rehabcare in Blennerville; Soccer coaching with 3rd and 4th class students at Tralee CBS and providing personal training and fitness classes for students from other courses within National Learning Network.
A number of students have volunteered on Camp Abilities, a residential sports camp for children with vision impairments which takes place in Kerry each Easter and the group have also organised sports days for primary schools in Killarney and Limerick.
Over 200 people attended the ceremony which was hosted by Vogue Williams. Students James Lyons and Joanne Kelly represented the course in Dublin and accepted the award on behalf of all the students.
Sporting Chance is a QQI Level 4 and 5 course which provides qualifications and training for those interested in pursuing a career in the sport, recreation and fitness sector.
The course is open to jobseekers, the unemployed or to anyone who may be out of work due to health reasons. In the coming months, Sporting Chance students will be hosting a summer activities camp for Kerry Intervention Services and will be assisting at the FAI Munster Primary Schools Finals.