With over a quarter of Canadian children deemed obese, the Canadian government has launched the Canada Gets Active campaign to help encourage kids to engage in 90 minutes of physical activity each day. So far, only 13 pwer cent of children accomplish this.
As part of the program, all Grade 5 students in the territory will receive unlimited access to the Canada Games Centre in Whitehorse from November 1 to April 30.
“A commitment to fitness and emotional wellbeing are important components to healthy living,” said education minister Patrick Rouble in a media release. “This program gives young people an opportunity to have fun while developing habits that can contribute to wellbeing and even improve success in school.”
The Yukon is one of only six Canadian jurisdictions chosen for the program and the only one north of 60. Because 18 per cent of Yukon families live in low-income situations, the program is also aimed at those unable to afford memberships to gyms or athletic centres.
“The Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition is pleased to be working with other community organizations and the city to ensure that everyone can take advantage of this program,” said the coalition’s co-ordinator, Kristina Craig.
(Tom Patrick).