Young Artists With Their Fingers On The Pulse

Children of all ages in Carlow's national schools made the best use of their paint brushes and imaginations when they competed in the Irish Heart Foundation poster competition. And last week, the little ones were awarded top notch prizes for their artistic efforts. The children, who ranged in age from seven to 12-years-old, designed posters based on the theme You don't Have to

Children of all ages in Carlow's national schools made the best use of their paint brushes and imaginations when they competed in the Irish Heart Foundation poster competition.

And last week, the little ones were awarded top notch prizes for their artistic efforts. The children, who ranged in age from seven to 12-years-old, designed movie posters based on the theme You don't Have to be Sporty to be Active'.

The Irish Heart Foundation's Happy Heart co-ordinator in Carlow, Janet Farrell, said the standard of entries was extremely high.

Hundreds of children entered the competition from schools all over Carlow and the talent was incredible,' she said.

The children really tackled the theme well and we received some fantastic posters of people playing football, people walking, children playing outside. Naturally our aim is to raise awareness on the importance of physical activity and the poster competition is a great way to send this message to children and get them thinking about it.'

The Irish Heart Foundation recommends that all children and young people should have one hour of physical activity every day at moderate intensity. Suitable activities include games, active play, cycling, brisk walking, dancing, swimming and most sports.

For children, it is important to include activities that strengthen bones and muscles at least twice a week including skipping, jumping, climbing and gymnastics.

March 20, 2008