Active Start programming across the province provides the foundation necessary to foster a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity in our Island children, says Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie.
“Physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. The earlier we introduce sport and recreation into our daily lifestyles, the more likely we are to continue with it throughout our lives,” said Minister Currie. “By providing children the opportunity to participate in recreation activities from an early age, we are helping to build a love for physical activity that will hopefully follow them throughout their lives.”
The Active Start program is designed for children ages 3 to 6 and consists of an instruction manual of 100 lesson plans, training and equipment for delivery partners to teach core Fundamental Movement Skills in a fun, play environment. As well, through a partnership with Special Olympics and Parasport and Recreation, all lessons include tips for instructors to work toward more inclusionary practices.
Delivery partners will include 33 early learning childhood centres, three community Sport and Recreation Councils, and six provincial sport organizations. The Active Start program will serve approximately 1,200 Island children.
“The Active Start Program helps Island children develop confidence in their ability to participate in sport and recreation activities, and Sport PEI is so pleased to take the lead on this project,” said Sport PEI President Ron Waite.
The Active Start program is funded through a partnership with the Department of Health and Wellness and Sport Canada under a Sport Bilateral Agreement and is being implemented in cooperation with Sport PEI and various delivery partners throughout Prince Edward Island.
The next phase of the program will involve expanding the program across the province by continuing to educate and train program leaders and resource partners with curriculum and equipment and supporting an associated research project looking at the efficacy of the program.
“Children learn from the adults in their lives, so we have to provide leadership and strong role models to show our children that healthy, active lifestyles are easy and fun,” said Minister Currie. “I encourage all Islanders to get out with their children and enjoy the many opportunities for physical activity available across our province.”