Queensland state primary and secondary school students are celebrating the Year of Physical Activity in schools - a year when young people are encouraged to make physical exercise a routine part of daily life.
Minister for Education and Training, Rod Welford, nominated 2008 as the Year of Physical Activity in schools to promote the significant, long-term benefits of being healthy and active.
'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,' Mr Welford said.
'We want to encourage young people, and their families, to get moving and eat well as part of establishing and maintaining lifelong healthy daily routines.
'The Year of Physical Activity in schools is also an important step in addressing the epidemic of obesity in our communities, and lays the healthy foundation for academic success at school.'
Some of the Year of Physical Activity events will include:
These activities are inclusive so that children with disabilities also have opportunities to be more active.
Parents have important supporting roles during the Year of Physical Activity in schools. They are role models for all lifestyle behaviours.
Queensland Health figures show that about 52 per cent of adults are not doing enough exercise to achieve a health benefit, and adult levels of inactivity are higher in Queensland than the national average.
Mr Welford said there are many activities families can enjoy together to set a good example for children as part of a healthy and active lifestyle.
'It could be as simple as practising multiplication or spelling while going for a walk, or riding bikes to school as a family instead of using the car at drop-off time,' he said.
'Rewards for children could be an outing to a skate rink or going bowling, and birthday gifts could be items such as balls which promote physical activity and encourage family football or soccer.'
The Year of Physical Activity in schools supports the introduction of the Smart Moves school program which aims to ensure children get active for at least 30 minutes a day during curriculum time.
For more information on the Year of Physical Activity go to the Year of Physical Activity website.
Tell us how your family keeps active for a chance to win fantastic prizes!
Check out the Year of Physical Activity website and let us know what you are doing to keep active each month.
All active tips will receive a Year of Physical Activity water bottle and frisbee.
The best tip each month will win a prize like a bike, trampoline, theme park pass, mower, gym membership or active equipment kits.
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© The State of Queensland (Department of Education, Training and the Arts) 2008.