Almost 25,000 walkers representing over 600 clubs have amassed an incredible tally of 2.3 million kilometres already as we approach the half-way mark of the challenge.
In the void left by the cessation of training and matches the GAA Healthy Club Steps Challenge, delivered in partnership with Irish Life’s MyLife App, has provided the GAA community with a healthy competitive outlet.
An incredible 25,000 walkers representing 616 GAA clubs have been traversing every inch of their 5km radius in an attempt to win for their club one of the €2,500, €1,500, and €1,000 O’Neill’s gift vouchers up for grabs in each province with thanks to Irish Life. Any club that registers on the App and whose team records at least 4,000km – the equivalent of walking around the coast of Ireland – is in with a chance to win. The competition will run until March 3rd.
In June 2020 over 400 clubs registered for the first Healthy Club Steps Challenge on the MyLife App, which saw 12,000 participants record 2.2 billion steps over four weeks during the first lockdown.
GAA President John Horan said: “The response to the ‘Healthy Club Every Step Counts Challenge’ has been incredible. We are delighted that Irish Life, as CSR partners of the Healthy Club Project, is once again working with our Community & Health department to keep our members healthy and connected while they are forced to stay apart. It’s been a great tonic during difficult times.”
Head of Wellness, Irish Life, Stacey Machesney said: “At a time where every day schedules are disrupting workout routines, we are delighted to support GAA clubs and communities around the country again through the MyLife app ‘Every Step Counts’ challenge. This time we decided to do something a little different and challenge each club to travel the circumference of Ireland. The response has been amazing during these challenging times with over 25,000 participants. Once again it is great to see all communities and clubs coming together responsibly to participate. Exercise is essential for wellbeing during these times as it can, reduce stress, improve immune function, aid relaxation and sleep quality and prevent weight gain.”
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael John Horan and Irish Life CEO Declan Bulger in attendance during the launch of the MyLife GAA Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge at Croke Park in Dublin.
The ‘Every Step Counts Challenge’ has taken on additional importance in light of the forced postponement of Ireland Lights Up (delivered in partnership with RTE’s Operation Transformation and Get Ireland Walking) due to the escalation of community transmission rates of Covid-19. The GAA is still hoping to activate Ireland Lights Up as soon public health restrictions allow and will keep the 600 clubs that have already registered updated on any changes.
Seamus O’Cathasaigh, chairperson of St. John’s GAA club in Sligo, featured on Operation Transformation on RTE 1 on Wednesday, January 27th. Seamus revealed the transformative impact his club’s involvement in the Healthy Club Project and initiatives such as the ‘Steps Challenges’ has had on his health and lifestyle.
A total of 640 delegates registered to participate in the GAA Healthy Club Conference on Saturday, January 23rd reflecting the growing interest amongst GAA clubs in driving a health agenda. The Healthy Club Project currently engages 300 clubs and expressions of interest will open for new clubs in November 2021. It is delivered in partnership with Irish Life, Healthy Ireland, the HSE, the National Office for Suicide Prevention, and the Tomar Trust. For more information see: www.gaa.ie/community
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The ‘Every Step Counts Challenge’ has commenced however clubs and individuals can join at any stage.
How do club members join the challenge?
1. Download the MyLife app from the App store or Google Play store
· Apple App Store - https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/mylife-by-irish-life/id1459620652
· Google Playstore - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.irishlife.mylife
2. Register your details
3. Tap on the social tab on the MyLife app
4. Select challenges
5. Select the challenge for your province
Tap on join & select your club!
For MyLife support and help: Email support@mylife.irishlife.ie