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Ulster Rugby, in conjunction with the Public Health Agency (PHA), launched its
community based health and wellbeing strategy recently at Kingspan Stadium.
The ‘Ulster Rugby at the Heart of the Community’
health and wellbeing strategy was formally
welcomed by Ulster Rugby President, Bobby
Stewart and Domestic Rugby Manager, Chris
Webster, as well as Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief
Executive of the Public Health Agency.
Ulster’s Director of Rugby, Les Kiss, along with
players Chris Henry, Peter Nelson and Wiehahn
Herbst, were also in attendance at the launch.
As part of the on going development and growth of
the game, Ulster Rugby recognises the significant
health benefits attached to participation and
involvement in Rugby Union.
Working from a preventative approach the key
actions and programme’s emerging from the
strategy will be focus on the following four themes;
physical activity, nutrition, healthy lifestyle and
mental and emotional wellbeing.
The vision for this strategy is ‘Meeting the needs of
the Person, the Player, the Club & the Community’.
Commenting at the event, Bobby Stewart said:
“Supporting the welfare of everyone involved in
the game both on and off the pitch and promoting
positive health and wellbeing is an emerging
priority moving forward for this organisation. I’m
delighted to see such a big turnout at today’s
launch, which highlights the importance of this
strategy.”
Chris Shields, Ulster Rugby’s Fitness Education
Manager, added: “The strategy seeks to ensure
that Ulster Rugby continues to promote a positive
social experience whereby people feel connected
and fulfilled by a lifelong involvement in Rugby
Union.”
Dr Eddie Rooney Chief Executive of the Public
Health Agency said:
“The Public Health Agency recognise sporting
bodies play an important role in the health and
wellbeing of our communities. We welcome Ulster
Rugby’s commitment to those involved in the
game, with the publication of their first ever health
and wellbeing strategy ‘Rugby at the heart of the
community’.
“PHA is committed to continuing their work with
sporting bodies to promote healthy behaviours
through physical activity and by promoting positive
mental health and emotional wellbeing, good
nutrition, and drug and alcohol awareness.
“We look forward to continuing this important work
in the future.”
ULSTER RUGBY SUPPORTING HEALTHIER
CLUBS AND COMMUNITIES
HEALTH AND WELLBEING STRATEGY