An Post Education Awards - Secondary school competition

4 April 2006

Thousands of entries are expected for this year's An Post Education Awards which encourage students to explain what they really think about food and exercise despite, or because of, the clutter of messages in the media.

The theme for this year's awards is "It's time to look at food and exercise differently".  The competition invites students to create a piece of art work or written composition explaining their stance on food and exercise and what influences their decisions on health and well-being.

Entry forms have been distributed to schools and the closing date is Friday 28th April.  Entries should be sent to An Post Education Awards, PO Box 9949, Dublin 1.  Further information and tips are available on www.anpost.ie/AnPost/school+awards.

Barney Whelan, Head of Business Development and Corporate Affairs at An Post, says last year's competition attracted thousands of entries and he expects more this year due to its topical theme.

"Health, and in particular the health of young people is, and has been, dominating the media for the past couple of years," said Mr Whelan.  "We believe it's important to stop and ask young people what they are picking up from these messages and which messages are getting through."

"There is a lot that can be learnt from young people in this regard.  We aim to remind them that the answer to staying in good shape is simple - a healthy, balanced diet and exercise."

The schools have received a series of posters which mimic glossy magazine ads and advocate healthy diet and exercise in place of quick fix products or gimmicks.  (Posters available as jpegs on request)

The competition is open to all secondary school students and consists of four categories - Freestyle Artistic Impression (15 & under, and 16 & over) and Creative Writing (15 & under, and 16 & over).

The winner of each category will receive an iPod Nano and a Galway Crystal trophy, while the winners' schools will win a Galway Crystal trophy.  The runners up in each category will receive an iPod shuffle.  There are also prizes for the teachers involved.

An Post is also running a competition aimed at primary schools students, entitled "Get a Taste for Life", which aims to motivate children to eat a healthy balanced diet by using the food pyramid, to be more adventurous with food, and to enjoy exercise.

For further information, please contact:

Susan Cresswell                                       Gary Finnerty
WHPR                                                     An Post
(01) 669 0237 or (087) 778 7652                 (087) 915 8374
Susan.cresswell@ogilvy.com                     gary.finnerty@anpost.ie