NLIS 6
October 6, 2005
(Education)
Friday, October 7 to
be proclaimed Sport and Physical Education Day
Newfoundland and Labrador is joining
British Columbia, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island in proclaiming
Friday, October 7, as Sport and Physical Education Day.
�We are pleased to proclaim October 7 as Sport and Physical
Education Day,� said Tom Hedderson, Minister of Education. �People
of all ages can benefit from learning about leading healthy
lifestyles. Physical education is a foundation for all children and
youth that can lead to lifelong physical activity.�
�Participation in sport provides an opportunity for all members of
the community to engage in regular physical activity,� said Paul
Shelley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. �Sport
participation can be a means of achieving the many positive benefits
of exercise.�
The United Nations has declared 2005 as the International Year of
Sport and Physical Education. Departments in the Government of
Newfoundland and Labrador have been working together to encourage
physical education, physical activity and healthy eating
opportunities to school age children and youth. In addition to
funding $1.4 million for new school gym equipment, the Department of
Education has introduced new graduation requirements and new
curriculum for students, and expects to announce revised school food
guidelines later this year. The Department of Health and Community
Services is investing $2.4 million into the provincial wellness
strategy. Last month these two departments co-hosted a Healthy
School Student Summit to listen to the views of students. As well,
the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment recently
contributed $225,000 to the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program, which
provides children and youth from low-income families the opportunity
to participate in sport and recreational activities.
Media contact:
Alex Marland, Education, (709) 729-0048, 690-6047
Melony O�Neill, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0557, 682-4461
2005 10 06
4:10 p.m. |