Play.Sport having an impact one year on
Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister for Sport
and Recreation
Minister of Health
22 March
2017
Media Statement
Play.Sport having an
impact one year on
Sport and Recreation
Minister Jonathan Coleman says up to 20,000 children are
benefiting from a pilot programme which seeks to transform
the way physical education (PE) is taught in
schools.
“We’re now one year into the three
year pilot of Play.Sport and the number of schools taking
part has grown from 34 to 44,” says Dr
Coleman.
“20,000 children at schools across
Waikatere and Upper Hutt where the pilot is taking place are
now benefitting from this new model of delivering
PE.
“The feedback from the schools involved has
been overwhelmingly positive. I’m told that students,
teachers and principals have all commented on how Play.Sport
is helping to create more engaging PE
classes.
“Participating in PE helps keep our kids
active, making them healthier and happier, and teaches them
valuable life skills.”
Play.Sport is being
supported by the Government’s investment of $8
million.
Led by Sport New Zealand and supported by
the Ministry of Education and ACC, the programme involves
curriculum facilitators, PE mentors and community activators
working with schools to upskill teachers in PE.
The
programme also connects schools with other providers within
their communities, such as sports clubs, others schools and
maraes, to help provide a fresh approach to
PE.
“The Government is committed to supporting
New Zealanders to live healthier more active lives and the
evidence shows that focusing on children has the greatest
results,” says Dr Coleman.
“The Government
launched the Childhood Obesity Plan in October 2015, making
New Zealand one of a few countries to have a target and a
comprehensive plan on childhood obesity. Play.Sport is one
of the 22 initiatives included in the
Plan.”
Prime Minister Bill English joined Dr
Coleman to see Play.Sport in action at Fergusson
Intermediate School in Upper Hutt today. Silver Ferns
Captain Katrina Grant and team-mate Phoenix Karaka also
attended to cheer students on and give them a few
pointers.
Play.sport_schools_breakdown.pdf