The Dairy Council for Northern Ireland has launched a programme in post primary schools to communicate to young people about the importance of nutrition for sport and physical activity and milk’s role within this.
The ‘Milk it‘ sports nutrition lessons are part of a programme aimed at pupils taking GCSE Physical Education and are designed to complement and support the curriculum – focusing on good nutritional practices for young athletes, including the potential role of milk. The Dairy Council’s Sports and Exercise Nutritionist Stephanie Ingram, who is responsible for delivering the programme, said:
“A balanced diet is essential for the general health and wellbeing of all young people. And for those involved in sport, good nutrition is also an important part of maximising their performance. Our lessons are designed to educate young people that getting the right nutrients at the right time can help them get the most out of their sport.
“Milk can be a good drink after exercise as it contains fluid for hydration and protein for muscles. In addition, milk also contains calcium and a range of other essential nutrients.”
Dr Mike Johnston Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, added:
“Communicating the benefits of milk to teenagers has been an important part of our activities for the past four years in particular, through the EU funded Milk In Action programme. The evolution of Milk in Action into positioning milk within sport and an active lifestyle is part of our wider programme of activities which are aimed at ensuring that teenagers have a positive relationship with milk.
“Making available these ‘Milk it‘ sports nutrition lessons for pupils taking GCSE Physical Education is the start of a broader programme we envisage for post primary schools in the area of sports nutrition, and maintains our commitment to communicating the benefits of milk to teenagers. “
Pictured: Dairy Council’s Sports and Exercise Nutritionist Stephanie Ingram launches the ‘Milk it’ sports nutrition programme with pupils from Ballymoney High School.