The Stena Line Belfast Giants, alongside official community outreach partner Belfast Harbour, have announced the launch of the annual Healthy Lifestyle Programme for the 2023/24 season.

Established in 2005, the Healthy Lifestyle Programme is designed to encourage children and young people to make conscious decisions around their lifestyle choices. Coordinated by Giants’ relationship and business development manager Laura Small and facilitated by Giants’ defenceman Mark Garside, the programme promotes the importance of looking after both mental and physical wellbeing, with a focus on sufficient sleep, managing stress, maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly.

Laura Small, relationship and business development manager at the Belfast Giants, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have launched this season’s Healthy Lifestyle Programme, in conjunction with Belfast Harbour. Much like our own, Belfast Harbour’s roots are very much embedded into improving the lives of those across local communities, so we’re appreciative of their continued support. As has been the case since the club’s inception more than two decades ago, the Giants are far more than just an ice hockey team, and providing opportunities for participation and inclusion are central to everything we do.”

In 2022/23, over 3,000 pupils aged 9-11 took part in the Healthy Lifestyle Programme, with this season’s programme forecasted to exceed this, having already seen over 600 students involved between the beginning of September and the end of November 2023.

Allison Dowling, corporate affairs and engagement Director at Belfast Harbour, commented: “As we enter our third season as the Belfast Giants’ official community outreach partner, we have seen the impact of the Healthy Lifestyle Programme in local schools, and how it has grown over recent years.

“We are delighted that with Belfast Harbour’s support, the programme was able to reach a record number of schools and young people during 2023. As we look ahead to the rest of the season, we are excited to continue to work with the Giants to build on this success and inspire more school children across Northern Ireland to make healthier choices.”

There’s still time for schools to register for the Healthy Lifestyle Programme and is open to all primary schools in the Greater Belfast area. For more information or to sign-up, please contact schools@belfastgiants.com.