The City and 15 community-partner organizations have received a $83,969 grant from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport for a two-year Physical Literacy project that will be the first of its kind in Ontario.
“Physical literacy is about developing the ability to perform basic movements such as running, jumping and throwing. It’s as important as learning how to read in terms of preparing children to succeed and live healthy lives,” says Project Leader, Denita Arthurs. “This really puts Kingston on the national radar.”
The Physical Literacy’s project aims to involve 6,000 participants in more than 20,000 new participation opportunities and to strengthen the capacity of local Health, Education, Recreation and Sport sectors so that all Kingston residents can become and stay physically active.
The City and its partners, listed below, have developed a coordinated two-year Physical Literacy strategy, which will include:
– A Physical Literacy Town Hall, November 7 (Davies Hall, St Lawrence College)
– PLAY Library: Free take-home kits promoting Physical Literacy and lifelong physical activity
– New programming, including Yoga classes with French instruction, an introductory wheelchair curling program for persons with disabilities, three-week try-a-sport programs, and traditional Aboriginal activities for aboriginal and non-aboriginal persons
– Free workshops about Physical Literacy, physical activity and Canadian Sport for Life for community and local sport organizations
– Kingston Gets Active months every April and September beginning in April 2014. These months will celebrate active living, feature active living challenges, and provide FREE “come try this activity” events.
– A Canadian Sport for Life Summit in 2014
– Municipal recreation programming evaluated and aligned with Physical Literacy and Canadian Sport for Life standards
Physical Literacy Project Partners:
– Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board
– Boys and Girls Club of Kingston & Area
– City of Kingston
– Club Optimiste Frontenac BFC
– Ecole elementaire Catholique MRG-Remi Gaulin
– Katarokwi Native Friendship Centre
– Kingston Community Health Centres
– KFL&A Public Health
– Kingston Frontenac Public Library
– Kingston Gets Active
– Kingston Revved Up
– Limestone District School Board
– Ontario Early Years Centre
– Queen’s University
– St Lawrence College
– Youth Diversion
For more information visit KingstonGetsActive.ca .
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Release source: City of Kingston | Photo: GusMaru (cc)
