Ballysally PS are the Lidl Fit Factor champs

Last week the Coleraine school were named Lidl Fit Factor winners - a competition that promotes healthy eating and physical activity.

Over 12,000 pupils took part in the programme, which saw schools submitting projects expressing what they had learned during a four week fun and educational programme.

Ballysally’s Primary 3 class were chosen as County winners back in March, they then joined the other County winners in an online vote.

During April the pupils campaigned for votes, and last week they were crowned overall winners of the competition at the Odyessy Arena in Belfast.

The Coleraine school certainly impressed the celebrity judging panel - Paddy Wallace from Ulster Rugby, Joe McMahon from the Tyrone GAA team and freelance journalist Claire McCollum

The Primary 3 pupils brought home a giant cheque for 4,000 - they plan to spend this money on sports equipment for their school.

Principal Geoff Dunn is very proud of his pupils, he said: “This is a great reward after all the hard work the school has done in promoting healthy and active lifestyles.

“It is encouraging to be acknowledged for the quality of the learning experiences which children receive on a day to day basis. Indeed, I pay a special tribute to Miss Linton for her creative approach in cultivating a creative and positive learning environment. Thanks also to everyone who took the time to vote for the school.”

Primary 2 teacher, Samantha Linton added: “I would like to say a sincere thank you to everyone who took the time to cast a vote for our fantastic school. I would also like to thank our Principal, Mr. Dunn, and our staff and parents for their support and encouragement during the course of the competition.

“The community spirit and teamwork within Ballysally is something the judges especially liked and commented on. We are truly delighted and proud to have won this competition.

“Finally, I would like to thank my 23 little superstars in P3 who enthusiastically took part in every aspect of the competition. I am delighted to be able to say that Ballysally Primary School really has got the Fit Factor 2010!”