The jam-packed occasion was kicked off by Dr Edel Healy, Head of School of Science and Health who welcomed the students and guest speakers on campus which included Hannah Craig, Women in Sport Manager at Sport Ireland, who spoke to students about the Her Moves initiative aimed at getting teenage girls active. Students then got to discuss some of the challenges facing females in sport with a high-profile panel of people, including Amanda Greensmith – former rugby international and Head of Women’s Development at the IRFU, Laura Donovan – Director of Women’s Football at Drogheda United and UEFA A Licence coach, Julie Duffy – Sports Inclusion and Disability Officer at Louth Local Sports Partnership and Mags Nugent – athlete and athletics coach and former winner of Ireland’s Fittest Family.  Some of the topics discussed included how it is never too late to try something new, breaking down barriers for females in coaching and juggling the pressures of school and sport.  This was followed by an afternoon of interactive, action-packed and fun practical sessions showcasing the world of exercise science at DkIT.

Fiona Hackett, Lecturer in Health and Physical Activity in DkIT said of the recent event,

“Girls are under-represented in all areas of sport and exercise.  Only 12% of girls aged 12-13 years are meeting the physical activity guidelines and this drops even further to 7% of girls aged 14-15 years.  We are delighted to team up with HER MOVES this year to try and help teenage girls find a sport or physical activity that they enjoy.  But “ex-HER-cise @ DkIT” is about more than just helping girls stay active, it is about empowering girls to find their place in sport and exercise, not only as a participant, but in coaching, leading and officiating.  We want to increase the visibility of girls and women studying and working in all areas of sport and exercise”.

Currently the School of Health and Science in DkIT offers the industry recognised and highly in demand four-year BSc (Honours) in Health and Physical Activity degree course which aims to educate a category of professionals in the areas of health, physical activity, and wellbeing. Graduates from this programme attain the skills necessary to assess, plan, promote and evaluate lifestyle interventions and physical activity programmes that will enhance the quality of life of individuals that they work with.

DkIT also launched an extremely successful new course in 2023 which is a BSc (Hons) in Nutrition and Health, Level 8. The aim of this course is to develop expertise in nutrition and apply this knowledge to the areas of health science and human health. The founding principles of biology and biochemistry will be used to explore the impact of nutrition on physical performance and health. This 4-year course blends the basic sciences, food science and specialist nutrition modules to provide the knowledge, skills, and training from work experience, to work in the areas of nutrition, health, or food science.

The event was sponsored by Healthy Louth and Dole Ireland.