Minister Barr: Challenge teaches kids the importance of being active
- Written by ACT Government
Released 02/12/2015
Canberra children have a better understanding of the importance of being active and increasing their physical activity each day after completing the Active Kids Challenge.
As part of Pop-up Cabinet in Belconnen today, I joined my Cabinet colleagues and Lucille Bailie, CEO of the Physical Activity Foundation, at Aranda Primary School to report on the key findings from the 2015 Active Kids Challenge survey. It was fantastic to be joined by members of the Canberra Capitals as well, who ran activities for Aranda Primary students.
20,000 Canberra kids participated in this year’s Active Kids Challenge.At the beginning and end of the challenge, University of Canberra student Sarah Skidmore spoke with over 1000 students at 10 local schools about their experience with physical activity.
We know that teaching school-aged children good habits about physical activity, health and nutrition helps to ensure they remain active and healthy throughout their lives. This research found a 5.4% increase in students’ understanding of the importance of getting 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
The research also found an increase of more than 6% in the number of students involved in physical activity seven days a week, and a 5.7% increase in students getting at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. With overweight and obesity affecting 25% of children in the ACT, I am very pleased to see things heading in the right direction, with more kids active more often.
Importantly, the research showed a 3% increase in students enjoying themselves while undertaking physical activity. We want to show our kids that physical activity is fun, so it’s great to see students enjoying being active.
Physical Activity Foundation CEO Lucille Bailie said she was delighted with the positive results of the research project.
“We know ACT primary school kids enjoy the benefits of being active throughout the eight week Challenge, and we hope it sparks a lifelong love of physical activity.
“Kids who are active benefit physically and mentally, can see improved academic outcomes and are more likely to become active adults– in short, there’s only an up side when our kids get active.”
I congratulate the Physical Activity Foundation on another successful challenge this year.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
