Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
November 27, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development:

Investments in Physical Activity Support Children and Youth

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update this Honourable House on Provincial Government investments which are providing more physical activity opportunities for children and youth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Provincial Government, in partnership with School Sport Newfoundland and Labrador, recently announced a $300,000 investment in Participation Nation Unplugged.

This is an after-school physical activity program designed to help provide inclusive, non-competitive opportunities to increase physical activity and promote healthy, active lifestyles in the after-school time period. This program works with participating schools to help identify and remove barriers to increasing physical activity.

As the Minister responsible for wellness, I recognize the need to encourage youth to decrease their screen time and to get up and start moving towards a more active lifestyle.

The Provincial Government’s investment in Participation Nation Unplugged comes about as the result of the After-School Physical Activity Pilot Initiative, which was implemented at 25 sites from 2011 to 2014. The pilot results indicated a positive impact from increasing opportunities for students to participate in after-school physical activities. As such, the 25 pilot sites will be invited to become part of the Participation Nation Unplugged program, and existing programs will have the opportunity to expand their activities from one to two days a week.

In addition Mr. Speaker, the Provincial Government continues to support recreation, sport and physical activity through various programs, such as the Community Recreation Development Program, Community Capital grants, Physical Activity Equipment funding and the Premier’s Athletic Awards.

Mr. Speaker, with the support of the Provincial Government, community partners and, most importantly, parents, I believe we can encourage young people to develop active, healthy lifestyles and habits that will serve them well throughout their lives.

2014 11 27                                        2:00 p.m.