Ready, set, Ro! Rosetta Primary School step into Christmas

Rosetta Primary School in Belfast brought festive cheer to the playground as pupils took part in The Daily Mile Santa Run, joining thousands of children across Northern Ireland and beyond for fun, fresh air, and physical activity. 

The event, in partnership with The Daily Mile Network Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency (PHA), Education Authority and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, encouraged schools to combine fun with fitness and highlight the benefits of being active both inside and outside the classroom.

Dr Hannah McCourt, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at PHA, said: “It was wonderful to see pupils from Rosetta Primary School dashing into the Christmas spirit with the Santa Run! Regular physical activity has many benefits, and helps build strong bones and muscles, supports heart health, and boosts mental wellbeing. Getting outdoors also encourages social interaction and resilience – and that’s a gift that lasts well beyond Christmas.”

As of June 2025, 69% of primary schools and early years settings in Northern Ireland were registered to participate in The Daily Mile, helping children improve fitness, mood and concentration without the need for special equipment or clothing.

The Daily Mile can be done alongside the Active School Travel (AST) programme which is funded by the PHA and Department for Infrastructure, and delivered by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust. 

Beth Harding, Programme Manager at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, added: ‘’Watching pupils step, wheel, and run into the holiday season with big smiles shows how easy and joyful being active can be. The Daily Mile encourages children to think about their health and is inclusive for every child, no matter their age or ability. These daily movements help create healthy habits that last well beyond the classroom and into later life.”

Children at Rosetta Primary School donned their Christmas jumpers and spent 15 minutes being active, whether that was walking, wheeling, skipping, dancing, star jumping or running outdoors, embracing the ethos of The Daily Mile – social, non-competitive, and inclusive activity. 

Donal McGarrigle, Principal at Rosetta Primary School, reflected: “The school has been taking part in The Daily Mile Santa run for a number of years now and it’s a fantastic way to kick off Christmas while encouraging healthy habits. After getting outside for fresh air and exercise, we always notice pupils return to class refreshed, focused, and ready to learn. 

“We’d encourage every school to make The Daily Mile part of their day.” 

The PHA continues to encourage schools and families to embrace active travel and outdoor play as part of everyday life. These habits not only improve physical health but also enhance mental wellbeing and academic readiness.

Find out more about The Daily Mile at www.thedailymile.co.uk 

Find out more about the Active School Travel Programme a: www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/NIschools

For tips on getting active, visit www.ChooseToLiveBetter.com