Chris Bishop
National List MP based in the Hutt Valley

11 March 2016

Hutt Valley hosts Play.sport in a bid to get kids active

Chris Bishop today joined Minister for Sport and Recreation Jonathan Coleman in launching Sport New Zealand’s Play.sport initiative in Upper Hutt.

The National List MP for the Hutt Valley was joined by Silver Fern Casey Kopua and Hurricane and Māori All Black Otere Black at Pinehaven School as part of the Government’s Childhood Obesity Plan launched in October 2015. Play.sport is one of 22 initiatives in the Plan and Bishop is encouraged by the Hutt Valley’s participation.

“The 10 local Hutt schools taking part in the Government’s new physical education programme represent almost a third of the schools initially involved. I’m encouraged that the Hutt is leading the way in tackling the problem of childhood obesity,” says Mr Bishop.

“Play.sport will provide resources to the school and local community and will encourage us all to be conscious of living a healthy, active lifestyle.

“We’re now one of the first OECD countries to have a target and a comprehensive plan on childhood obesity. I’m proud that this Government is investing over $8 million over four years in Play.sport.

“We’re taking a positive, strengths-based approach to dealing with the challenges individuals face when they are overweight and I am encouraging parents to get on board and support this programme.”

Play.sport is supported by the Ministry of Education and ACC and represents a step-change in the way physical education and sport is delivered in schools. Play.sport is a community based programme that aligns with the UNESCO global best practice for quality physical education and activity. For more information see http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/obesity/childhood-obesity-plan.

ENDS

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