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. This event was an interactive, action-packed, and fun-filled affair. In the morning, students got to discuss some of the challenges facing females in sport with a high-profile panel of sports people, followed by an afternoon of interactive and fun practical sessions showcasing the world of exercise science at DkIT. 

The fantastic discussion panel of female sports specialists, which was the first session of the day, included Orlagh Farmer who is a 6-time All-Ireland winning ladies footballer with Cork LGFA and Lecturer in Sport Education, Sharon Courtney who is an All-Star Award-winning footballer with Monaghan LGFA, Lecturer in Sport and Nutrition and graduate of the BSc. Health & Physical Activity Programme @ DkIT, Margaret Walsh - Physical Therapist and Women's Health Specialist and the final panel member was Mags Nugent who is the current reigning champion of Irelands' Fittest Family. This session was hosted by Fiona Hackett who facilitated a phenomenal and informative discussion. Topics discussed on the day included subjects such as why 1 in 2 girls drop out of sports from primary to secondary school.  The life changing skills of persistence and resilience that you learn from participation in sports and the importance of losing and its impacts on personal bounce back ability in life.

One of the fantastic take-aways from the day was presented by All Ireland Champion Orlagh Farmer who offered that from her research the number one reason why girls stay in sport is down to having fun with their friends.

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 courses that will enhance the quality of life of individuals that they work with. 

DkIT are also extremely excited to report the launch of a new course this year in September 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 Defy Sports.