Click on the graphic above to download the full report.

To coincide with the European Week of Sport and the return of students for the start of the new academic year, Student Sport Ireland has published an evidence based report on the value of sport and physical activity in supporting students’ physical activity and mental wellbeing.

Commissioned by Student Sport Ireland and authored by Mary Immaculate College Postgraduate Researcher, Cillian Brennan, the paper found that third level sport and wellbeing has the potential to improve the physical and mental health of students, boosting recruitment and retention, while enhancing the student experience and that third level institutions can play a key societal role promoting health and wellbeing among students.

The paper finds that investment in sport and physical activity from the third level sector continues to grow through investment in facilities, scholarships, staff, and services. In addition, investment in facilities, resources and elite athletes supports the development of high performance student athletes across Ireland.

In terms of addressing the impact of the pandemic on the students, the paper proposes that engaging in physical activity and sports has the potential to mitigate (against) the effects of the impact and accompanying restrictions and ‘offset indirect consequences of COVID-19 on disease prevention and mental well-being’ and that providing students with opportunities to engage in sport and physical activity is now of greater importance on their return to on campus learning.

To view an infographic summarising the key findings, please click here.