Regular physical activity is essential to maintain good health and wellbeing which in turn is crucial if people are to achieve their full potential in sport. Recognising the importance of physical activity and sport to achieving good health, the Sports Council for Northern Ireland and the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland will work together to create and develop opportunities for people to become more active and to maintain lifelong participation.

To achieve this aim, the two organisations will commit themselves to the following objectives:

1 Acknowledge the role of each organisation in the promotion of physical activity and sport.

2 Emphasise the importance of physical activity and sport at all levels, to the health and wellbeing of the population.

3 Collaborate on joint initiatives, particularly among young people and low participation groups.

4 Inform the public about sport and physical activity through public information campaigns.

5 Support each other to achieve the aims of both organisations as set out in the two strategies:

• Strategy for the development of sport in Northern Ireland (1997-2005)
• Be Active - Be Healthy. Northern Ireland physical activity strategy (1996-2002).

6 Examine examples of effective practice in the promotion and development of opportunities for sport, physical activity and health, to inform future initiatives.

7 Cooperate on areas of research, which are of mutual benefit in terms of sporting, health and societal outcomes.

8 Work to ensure that joint initiatives are underpinned by public policy objectives such as New TSN.

9 Work to ensure that joint initiatives are developed on the basis of partnership, with key players from government, local authorities, health, education, voluntary and community sectors.

A joint approach to the promotion of physical activity and sport will provide valuable support for the aims of both the Sports Council and the Health Promotion Agency. This will help ensure the most effective use of resources and will help to achieve the overall goal of both organisations - a healthier, fitter Northern Ireland.