Ireland’s 2nd Physical Activity Report Card launched today, along with 37 other country report cards
"The Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance organized the concurrent preparation of Report Cards on the physical activity of children and youth in 38 countries from 6 continents (representing 60% of the world’s population). Nine common indicators were used (Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behavior, Family and Peers, School, Community and the Built Environment, and Government Strategies and Investments), and all Report Cards were generated through a harmonized development process and a standardized grading framework (from A = excellent, to F = failing). The 38 Report Cards were presented at the International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health in Bangkok, Thailand on November 16, 2016. The consolidated findings are summarized in the form of a Global Matrix demonstrating substantial variation in grades both within and across countries". Go to http://www.activehealthykids.org/ for further information.
Ireland's Report Cards and Poster can be accessed below.
Recommendations arising from the report:
Fully implement the actions from National Physical Activity Plan in the Republic of Ireland, and develop and implement a National Physical Activity Plan in Northern Ireland.
Identify and promote existing evidence based best practice policy, programmes, initiatives and infrastructure that are promoting increased levels of physical activity. Specifically a research and evaluation framework to allow us to evaluate, implement and upscale sustainable and effective actions targeting children.
Ensure the implementation of quality physical education at primary and second level which include compulsory physical education and physical activity opportunities for all children led by appropriately trained staff.
Develop national guidelines on sedentary behaviour for all youth, and specific physical activity guidelines for early childhood (0-5 years).
Develop programmes to address transitions and drop out from physical activity and sport, and support transition and pathways from school based physical activity programmes to community based clubs and opportunities.
