Weightlifting was introduced to St. Oliver Plunkett Primary School in April 2025, thanks to funding secured by Northern Ireland Weightlifting through Sport NI. Our Primary 7 teacher, Mr James Lagan, is actively involved in weightlifting, the school was in a fortunate position to benefit from this initiative, which aimed to introduce the sport to selected primary schools. The programme was delivered as a structured six-week block, during which a fully qualified coach (with support from a trainee coach) worked with pupils to provide a safe, fun and educational introduction to weightlifting. Throughout the programme, the children learned the fundamental techniques required for a variety of lifts, while also developing a clear understanding of the importance of health and safety in all aspects of training. Following the success of the initial programme, the school was delighted that, through the support of Northern Ireland Weightlifting, Mr Lagan gained his own coaching qualification. This has enabled the school to continue the initiative into a second year, with sessions now being led internally, without the need for additional funding. This has been a wonderful opportunity for our pupils, and the programme has been received very positively. The children have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and many who already participate in team sports have developed a greater appreciation of the role of strength and conditioning. The skills and movement patterns they have learned will prove invaluable and can be built upon as they continue their sporting journeys. PICTURED BELOW: Mr. James Lagan, teacher/instructor, with the P7 boys who took part in the Olympic Weightlifting 6 weeks course held in St. Oliver Plunkett PS. (Photos - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics) We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are

placeholder image — Weightlifting was introduced to St. Oliver Plunkett Primary School in April 2025, thanks to funding secured by Northern Ireland Weightlifting through Sport NI. Our Primary 7 teacher, Mr James Lagan, is actively involved in weightlifting, the school was in a fortunate position to benefit from this initiative, which aimed to introduce the sport to selected primary schools. The programme was delivered as a structured six-week block, during which a fully qualified coach (with support from a trainee coach) worked with pupils to provide a safe, fun and educational introduction to weightlifting. Throughout the programme, the children learned the fundamental techniques required for a variety of lifts, while also developing a clear understanding of the importance of health and safety in all aspects of training. Following the success of the initial programme, the school was delighted that, through the support of Northern Ireland Weightlifting, Mr Lagan gained his own coaching qualification. This has enabled the school to continue the initiative into a second year, with sessions now being led internally, without the need for additional funding. This has been a wonderful opportunity for our pupils, and the programme has been received very positively. The children have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and many who already participate in team sports have developed a greater appreciation of the role of strength and conditioning. The skills and movement patterns they have learned will prove invaluable and can be built upon as they continue their sporting journeys. PICTURED BELOW: Mr. James Lagan, teacher/instructor, with the P7 boys who took part in the Olympic Weightlifting 6 weeks course held in St. Oliver Plunkett PS. (Photos - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics) We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are

IN PICTURES: Derry P7 pupils lift their way to success with new fitness programme

Published 15th May 2026, 17:33 GMT

St Oliver Plunkett Primary School introduced a structured six week training block focused on strength and conditioning

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Mr. James Lagan, teacher/instructor, with the P7 girls who took part in the Olympic Weightlifting 6 weeks course held in St. Oliver Plunkett PS.

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Mr. James Lagan, giving instructions to P7 pupil Tegan in the Olympic Weightlifting 6 weeks course held in St. Oliver Plunkett PS.

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Mr. James Lagan, giving instructions to P7 pupil Darragh in the Olympic Weightlifting 6 weeks course held in St. Oliver Plunkett PS.

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We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY For more information scan the QR code below.

IN PICTURES: Derry P7 pupils lift their way to success with new fitness programme

St Oliver Plunkett Primary School introduced a structured six week training block focused on strength and conditioning

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