HIGH FIVE Ensures Positive Sport and Recreation

HEALTH PROMOTION--HIGH FIVE Ensures Positive Sport and Recreation Experiences

One way to keep people active is to ensure that they have fun with sports and recreation programs while they are young. HIGH FIVE, a system being tested in Nova Scotia, attempts to do just that.

"If children enjoy their sport and recreation programs and find them appropriately challenging, they will keep participating," Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald said during a visit to a HIGH FIVE demonstration and evaluation session at St. Andrew's Recreation Centre in Halifax today, May 20.

"HIGH FIVE helps to make this happen by giving leaders the skills, knowledge and resources to provide and maintain high quality programs."

HIGH FIVE, a system that originated in Ontario, combines testing, evaluation, training and resources to ensure that six- to 12- year-olds have an optimal sport and recreation experience.

The demonstration in Halifax included a leader training workshop, an activity program demonstrating the principles of HIGH FIVE, a quality assessment of a dance program and an overview of resource materials.

"In Halifax Regional Municipality we're continuously striving to offer high quality programs," said Mary Angela Munro, the area recreation co-ordinator, for Mainland South. "HIGH FIVE focuses our attention from policy development to the child's experience."

With support from the Office of Health Promotion, Recreation Nova Scotia is mid-way through a two-year pilot project to test HIGH FIVE at six demonstration sites. The program is being tested in Halifax Regional Municipality and through programs offered by Digby Area Recreation Commission, Chester Municipal Recreation Department, Truro Boys and Girls Club, Pictou Recreation Aquatics and Waycobah First Nation.

HIGH FIVE pilot sites agree to integrate the system into their regular sport and recreation programming. Nineteen certified instructors in Nova Scotia train staff, administrators and volunteers on HIGH FIVE concepts and the use of resources.

HIGH FIVE is an initiative of the Active Kids, Healthy Kids physical activity strategy for Nova Scotia children, youth and families.

Information about HIGH FIVE is available on Recreation Nova Scotia's Web site at www.recreationns.ns.ca .