Donegal County Council staff were recognised after walking the length of Ireland, Malin to Mizen Head, over four weeks as part of the ‘Walk and Talk Staff Walking Challenge’.
In keeping with the council’s Health and Wellbeing Plan, and following on from the success of last year’s pilot workplace walking challenge, Chief Executive, John G McLaughlin launched the challenge in April.
It was rolled out over a four-week period, through the Staff Health and Wellbeing Office in conjunction with Healthy Donegal, to encourage staff to get more physically active and promote healthy habits.
Mr McLaughlin said Donegal County Council is invested in the health and wellbeing of their staff.
“There is significant evidence that physical activity of moderate intensity promotes wellbeing, physical and mental health, prevents disease, improves quality of life, and has economic, social and cultural benefits, while greater participation in team/group physical activity provides opportunities for social engagement that helps to improve staff morale and staff connectedness,” he said.
Pictured Seated (L-R): Donegal County Council Chief Executive, Mr. John G McLaughlin, Overall Winning Team – Mayo for Sam – Sean Reid, Eileen McLaughlin, Tony Browne and Healthy Ireland Coordinator, Margaret Fitzgerald. Back Row (L-R): Health and Wellbeing Team, Marie Murphy, John McCandless, Mary Frances Doherty, Bernadette Glenn, Dominic Morris, Kathy Gallagher, Health and Wellbeing Team, Declan McKernan, Marie Kerr, Tanya Kee and Sinead McGlynn. Photo Clive Wasson.
Over the four-week challenge, teams collectively walked over 11,000km – the equivalent of walking from Malin to Mizen and back ten times – with staff feedback saying that the fun competitive event created an ideal environment to encourage staff to get out and get moving.
The winners were announced at a presentation held yesterday. Prizes, which had a health and wellbeing theme, were all from local Donegal businesses and were awarded by Mr McLaughlin.
