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.