The Northern Ireland Physical Literacy Forum (NIPLF) was established by Sport NI as part of our ongoing work to highlight the importance of physical literacy. The group had its inaugural meeting at the House of Sport, Belfast today (Friday 8th December 23). Membership of the group includes representatives from governing bodies of sport and local councils.
In 2022 Sport NI, in partnership with Sport Ireland, launched the All-Island Physical Literacy Consensus Statement, available here. The Consensus Statement provides one all-island definition, promoting a culture of lifelong participation in physical activity and acted as a catalyst to the formation of the NIPLF.
NIPLF has been set-up to highlight the importance of physical literacy in determining a person’s decision to be physically active throughout life. The forum will advocate for the integration of physical literacy into policy and practice, encouraging collaboration between organisation’s and sectors.
Research has demonstrated that under-development of physical literacy results in non-engagement with and/or withdrawal from physical activity leading to sedentary lifestyles. Members met to share their views and creative ideas on how to embed the principles of physical literacy into their own organisations and influence change across the sporting sector.
At the meeting there was a video presentation by Drew Mitchell from Sport for Life Canada, on the developments of physical literacy in Canada and within Canadian sport.
Over the coming months, panel members will explore options including the roll-out a new ‘Understanding Physical Literacy Module’ developed by Sport NI and Sport Ireland. The module enables participants to understand the principles of physical literacy and to apply them within their organisation, club, coaching/teaching.
For more information on the All-Island Physical Literacy Consensus Statement, the NIPLF and Sport NI’s ongoing work to promote the principles of physical literacy please visit: http://www.sportni.net/clubs-coaching/physical-literacy/