Over 240 schoolchildren got to try their hands - and feet - at some new sports at the launch of a new 'Active Living' strategy at Stormont on Tuesday.
They were joined by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey, Olympians Paddy Barnes and Shirley McCay, and Paralympian Claire Taggart, to kick-off the scheme at the NI Civil Service Sports Association Pavilion at Stormont.
The strategy has pledged to deliver its vision of lifelong involvement in sport and physical activity, and promote a "healthy, resilient and inclusive society" through participation.
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The 10-year plan builds on the success of Sport Matters which was published in 2009.
On Tuesday the school kids got to try out a range of activities including Boccia, GAA, Hockey, Football, Cricket, Rugby, Orienteering, Climbing, Skateboarding and Boxing.
Minister Hargey said: "The strategy aims to get more people, more active, more of the time. That must begin with children having access to more opportunities, exposure to different sports and making sure that they have fun and enjoy a quality experience.
"There is a need to have a focus not just on sport but on our communities, where everyone, regardless of ability or gender has the opportunity to be physically active and potentially competitively successful."
Active Living has been developed through engagement with over 200 groups and was refined following a full public consultation.
It has taken four years of research, sectorial and community engagement, and consultation.
Minister Hargey added: "I want this strategy to bring about change, to challenge the normal approach by removing barriers to inclusion.
"I want it to drive participation rates upwards by increasing opportunities for as many people as possible to take part in sport and physical activity."
Check out our video of the launch at the top of this story...
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