Hot on the heels of National Sports Day, Drew Mitchell of Via Sport-the provincial body that monitors sport funding-will be back at the Ladner Community Centre next Wednesday to give a second talk on Canada's Sport4Life model and its impact on the long term health and welfare of children in Delta.
At Mitchell's first presentation two weeks ago, many health-related issues were raised such as the practice of driving children to school every day. According to Mitchell, this suburban phenomenon eliminates about 2,000 steps of daily physical activity per child.
He also reported that many Grade 8 PE teachers are noticing an alarming increase in the number of students in their classes who cannot run, jump or catch a ball.
These and other modern habits are contributing to Canada's declining longevity rates.
On the other end of the sporting spectrum, another issue Mitchell touched on is the overly competitive athlete development model that dominates organized sport in Delta and across the province.
The "win-first" model has children under 12 playing to win rather than playing to develop physical literacy that will last a lifetime. "Many children end up quitting sports because they are forced to specialize too soon," said Mitchell at the Sept. 26 presentation.
In 2005, the Federal Government adopted the Sport4Life model to encourage active children to become active adults. Via Sport has the provincial responsibility to implement this model and hopes to see it integrated in every school, sport and recreation program across BC.
Mitchell's next talk takes place on Oct. 10 from 6: 30 to 8: 30 pm at the Ladner Community Centre.
Anyone involved in sport, physical education or fitness is welcome to attend. Parents especially are encouraged to come out for this free public session.
For more information on the meeting email [email protected] or visit the Delta Sport Council website at www. deltasportcouncil.org.
