TCD Health Week Aims to Promote Participation in Sport Among Students with Disabilities

Posted on: 24 April 2006

TCD Health Week Aims to Promote Participation in Sport Among Students with Disabilities
 
“Health, recreation and sport should not be denied to any student, but due to a lack of accessibility students with disabilities are often left out,” stated Declan Reilly, Disability Officer, TCD at the launch of the 2nd annual Trinity College Health Week today (24 April). “We see College Health Week as an opportunity to highlight the needs of students with disabilities with three adapted activities for students with sensory and mobility impairments taking place: an 800m Walk/Run & Fitness Trail, Goal Ball, a sport particularly suitable for blind and visually impaired students, and the Fitness Theatre Group Induction sessions.”

Launched by TV presenter Bethan Collins, College Health Week runs from 24 – 28 April with the theme Have a go…. and organised by the College Health Service, in association with the Departments of Sport, Catering, Counselling Service, Students’ Union, Peer Support Group and the Disability Service,  this year’s Health Week aims to educate and encourage all members of the College community, staff and students of all levels of abilities, to take part in a healthier lifestyle.
 
One main event taking place during the week will be a presentation by Bethan Collins on Work Life Balance, addressing people’s balance between work and life outside of work, as it is widely accepted that good work-life balance can reduce stress and promote health. This session will discuss “health through doing”, an occupational therapy concept, and give practical suggestions and applications.  It will also specifically discuss stress-management strategies.
Other events taking place over the week include: Relaxation session run by the Counselling Service; a sponsored walk by the College creche; and croquet, yoga, pilates, tai chi, body toning, and power walking for all levels of fitness including adapted activities for sensory and mobility impaired persons.  Information stands and health check desks will be in place throughout college including, The Marie Keating Foundation mobile unit, Pulmonary Testing & Asthma Awareness, Osteoporosis Testing and CO Testing for Smokers as well as healthy eating menus running in all the College catering outlets.

In conjunction with TCD Health Week, the Student’s Union is running a number of sporting events to fundraise for Artificial Defibrillators for the College.

For the full programme of College Health Week events please visit www.tcd.ie/collegehealthweek