New children's physical activity foundation

ACT government launches new initiative

Posted: 16 April 2008

From the Chief Minister of the ACT, April 2008

The Minister for Education and Training Andrew Barr has recently launched the Children’s Physical Activity Foundation and confirmed the ACT Government’s commitment of $250,000 to help establish it.

Speaking at the launch at Campbell Primary School, Mr Barr said the Children’s Physical Activity Foundation will work to promote physical activity to children and assist schools to get students more active through grants for sporting equipment and the professional development of teachers.

“Research shows that children exposed to physical activity at primary school age are more inclined to develop the skills and habits they’ll need for a healthy and active life,” Mr Barr said.

“But despite the fact the ACT is the most active community in Australia, new evidence suggests that over 25 per cent of our Year 6 students are overweight or obese and that as few as one in five undertake even moderate physical activity. This is a major concern, not only for the immediate health of our children, but for them as adults.

“To ensure the health of our society tomorrow, we must take steps today by investing in young Canberrans. This is what the Children’s Physical Activity Foundation is all about.”

Mr Barr also announced John James Foundation as the principal sponsor of the Children’s Physical Activity Foundation and Olympic Athlete Adam Pine will be Chair and spokesman for the Foundation.

“Through this new Foundation both John James Memorial and Adam will make an even greater contribution to our community,” Mr Barr said. “I would also like to congratulate Adam on his selection over the weekend to the Australian team for the Beijing Olympics,” Mr Barr said.

The Children’s Physical Activity Foundation charter will also encompass a Minister’s Physical Activity Challenge. The Challenge will encourage schools, teachers and children to participate in 60 minutes of physical activity per day for 10 weeks. Schools which successfully complete the Minister’s Challenge will be rewarded with equipment kits and resources from the Children’s Foundation funding pool.

The Foundation Grant round opened on 31 March 2008 and will close on 2 May 2008. Grants will be announced during the week commencing 23 June 2008.