Paddy Barnes believes sport and physical activity can act as the perfect tonic to two years of lockdown restrictions.
The former boxer was a special guest at Tuesday's launch of the new 'Active Living' strategy at the NI Civil Service Sports Association Pavilion at Stormont.
The plan pledges to deliver a "vision of lifelong involvement in sport and physical activity", and promote a "healthy, resilient and inclusive society" through participation.
Read more: Schoolkids help launch new sport and physical activity strategy at Stormont
The 10-year strategy builds on the success of Sport Matters which was published in 2009 and is a collaboration between the Department for Communities, other Government Departments, Councils and SportNI.
Barnes has lived the majority of his life in a boxing gym, and is well positioned to champion the positive impacts of training and exercise.
And he believes this long-term strategy is just what is needed as society emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.
"It is great that the government has announced this strategy, especially after what kids have gone through," Barnes told Belfast Live.
"Young people have been locked in their house, with no school and not being able to meet their friends."
"Sport brings everyone together and helps create new friendships, and keeps people healthy. So it is only a positive thing.
"People think sport is just about physical wellbeing, but it is good for your mental health. And it helps you make friends for life, and keeps you fit and healthy.
"For me sport tops everything for mental wellbeing."
Barnes has also encouraged any young person to give sport a try.
He added: "I would say to any kid, get yourself into sport. Any sport.
"It doesn't need to be boxing. Just because I am a former boxer doesn't mean I would solely push boxing.
"Try all sports. You might find you're good at one thing and not so good at another.
"Just try them all and hopefully you will stick to one in the future."
Read more: Ex-boxer Paddy Barnes takes up position with Probation Board for Northern Ireland
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