2008 THE YEAR OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN QUEENSLAND SCHOOLS
Published Tuesday, 30 October, 2007 at 11:32 AM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
In 2008, Queensland state primary and secondary school students will exercise their bodies as well as their brains when they celebrate “The Year of Physical Activity”.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford announced today that he has nominated 2008 as The Year of Physical Activity to support the implementation of Smart Moves: Physical Activity Programs in Queensland State Schools.
“The Year of Physical Activity aims to increase awareness of the link between physical activity and academic achievement and to encourage teachers to find ways of including physical activity across the school curriculum,” Mr Welford said.
“International research has shown that along with the physiological benefits, engaging in physical activity at school enhances students’ educational outcomes, supports their personal development and promotes lifelong active lifestyles.
“This is an important step in addressing the current epidemic of obesity in our communities.
“With more than one in five Queensland children overweight or obese and the number likely to increase, it’s now more important than ever that we encourage our children and young people to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.”
The Government’s Smart Moves initiative, launched in July 2007, will increase the time in which primary school students are effectively engaged in physical activity and improve the quality of that activity.
“In the Year of Physical Activity we will create a dedicated website with tips on how students, parents and teachers can incorporate physical activity into their everyday lives at school, home and work,” Mr Welford said.
“My department is also developing a range of activities and events to be held throughout Queensland for students, parents, schools and the community.”
Some of the events being planned include conferences that will provide professional development opportunities for teachers in south-east and regional Queensland.
“We will also introduce an integrated Move-a-thon to encourage students to get moving with general physical activity in addition to their sporting activities,” Mr Welford said.
The Year of Physical Activity builds on other Government initiatives such as the Smart Choices: Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Schools, the 2006 Obesity Summit and the Eat Well Be Active – Healthy Kids for Life Action Plan 2005-2008.
Promotional support for The Year of Physical Activity will be released by Education Queensland in early 2008.
Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000