Physical education at Portlaoise College is reaching a whole new level with the launch of the first outdoor gym in a post-primary school in Laois.
The gym will offer pupils of all physical abilities the opportunity to further learn and practice PE outdoors, before, during and after school.
The 15-piece gym located on-site provides a great work-out, and also has equipment that is wheelchair accessible encompassing the Portlaoise College ethos of inclusivity.
Nearly €7,000 was raised by student and parent contributions.
Present at the launch were the student council who helped promote the fundraiser within the student body, classes 2G and 3A who raised €2,000 between them and Parents Councils PRO Sinead Moran.
Speaking at the opening of the Outdoor Gym, Noel Daly, principal of Portlaoise College, explained the benefits.
He said: “The health benefits of exercise are undisputed and this gives the pupils of Portlaoise College the opportunity to learn about physical education in new surroundings whilst allowing them to increase their fitness levels.
“This fantastic new facility would not have been possible without the support of our parent’s council and students.”
Also in attendance was Laois and Offaly ETB CEO Joe Cunningham who thanked the students present for their fundraising contributions.
He said: “I have no doubt the students of Portlaoise College will gain maximum benefit from this facility”.
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