Donegal school declared Ulster’s Fittest School to compete in national final
Raphoe Central National School to take part in National Final in Athlone
A Donegal National School was declared Ulster’s Fittest School, and are preparing for the national competition to win the right to be called Ireland’s Fittest School.
Raphoe Central National School qualified for the Ulster province competition, held in Irvinestown, Fermanagh, on May 11, against three schools from Cavan, and were declared champions of Ulster.
School Principal, Norma Summers said: “Initially, we had to qualify. We had to register and undergo a level of activity. There were activities being set, and everybody would have to be involved. The whole school was engaged.
“The four top scorers in the province were invited to compete against each other. There were various events and races where they were all competing with each other.”
Raphoe Central National School will now join the top school from each of the Connacht, Leinster and Munster provincial finals in the grand final in Athlone on May 20.
Hosted by one of Ireland’s best-known Olympians – sprinter David Gillick – the prize package will include €8,000 worth of sports equipment and the title of ‘Ireland’s Fittest School 2026’.
“We are competing against the top school in each province, and we don’t know exactly who yet,” said Norma. “It will be more of the same.
“The teachers have to compete as well. It will test agility and speed.
“We are hoping to be Ireland’s Fittest School.”
Supported by fruit importer Fyffes and tracked online, the purpose of the competition, launched in December and now in its fifth year, is to promote the importance of exercise, fitness and healthy eating amongst young people.