Sessions on New Physical Activity Model

Nova Scotians are invited to learn new ways to support lifelong physical activity during a session being offered by Nova Scotia Health Promotion.

The session will provide an overview of a new Long-Term Athlete Development Model and is aimed at parents, coaches, volunteers, provincial sport and recreation organization board members, volunteers, university students, members of related non-profit organizations and any other interested Nova Scotians.

"With the guidance of this new model we can better support children to be active for life and better ensure that basic skills are provided for becoming successful athletes," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "We're sharing this model with Nova Scotians involved in physical activity and sport, from parents who want to see their child in a supportive physical activity and sport environment to coaches and teachers who may want to change the way they teach certain skills."

The generic model developed by Sport Canada outlines a way to help children be active and healthy for life. It suggests the ideal ages at which children should be taught certain skills. For example, boys aged 6-9 should be learning overall movement skills whereas boys aged 9-12 should be learning overall sport skills.

The model is not a plan, but a philosophy. It will be compared against what is currently happening in Nova Scotia so that needs for improvement can be identified and then acted upon.

Two sessions are being held on Sunday, Oct. 16.

• 12 - 2 p.m., Nova Scotia Community College, Akerley Campus,
  Akerley Lecture Theatre, 21 Woodlawn Rd., Dartmouth
• 5 - 7 p.m., Nova Scotia Community College, Truro Campus,
  Forrester Hall, 36 Arthur St., Truro

Leading the session will be Colin Higgs, professor of physical education at Memorial University of Newfoundland; Richard Way, principal of Citius Performance Group; and Dan Smith, Sport Canada special advisor for sport excellence. They will present the model and explain how it will promote physical activity for life, how children and athletes will benefit and how Nova Scotians, from parents to coaches, can get involved.

Sessions are also being held for health organizations and staff of provincial sport and recreation organizations.

No registration is necessary. For more information visit www.gov.ns.ca/ohp/physicalactivity.html .