Schools get help to get physical

Media Release from the Nutrition and Physical Activity Programme: Schools get help to get physical

Climbing walls, bike tracks, outdoor chess and monkey bars are springing up in schools around Nelson and Marlborough after a funding round from the Nutrition and Physical Activity Programme.

The programme aims to see the region take a lead in 'turning around the obesity epidemic' and is a $2m Nelson Marlborough District Health Board initiative with input from councils, government agencies and community groups.

NPA Programme Steering Group chair, Dr Maree Leonard said the response to the first funding round to schools was very encouraging: "There is a real will from early childhood to secondary schools to help children to be more active," she said. "We were very pleased with the number of applications and the understanding they showed of the issues and ideas to solve them." | The grants were for up to $1,000 per school and applicants were asked to provide at least two measurable outcomes of their projects, such as estimating the use time for the equipment.

Dr Leonard said preference was given to physical activity related initiatives that targeted priority groups. "Improving nutrition and physical activity across the region is a big task and we have identified priority groups that include lower socio-economic areas, children who are inactive or have barriers to being active and the Maori community.

The NPA Programme's strategic plan has been signed off by the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board and is to be published shortly.

ENDS - list of approved projects follows.
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Approved Physical Activity Fund Applications for Schools and Early Childhood
Centres
Ngatimoti School Multi level confidence course
St Josephs Picton Physical challenge circuit
Stoke Montessori Outdoor play equipment
Seymour Kindergarten Outdoor confidence course
Nelson Montessori Outdoor active play equipment
Ward School Climbing wall
Nelson Intermediate School Super strong basketball backboards
Paula's Pre-school Richmond Sports and physical activity sessions
Upper Moutere School SCPAP equipment
Mapua School PMP equipment
Seddon School Outdoor play and sports equipment
Hope School PMP equipment
Marlborough Girls College Upgrade fitness centre equipment
Wairau Valley School Develop a bike track/circuit in school grounds
Motu Weka Neighbourhood Centre Outdoor play equipment
Te Kupenga Preschool Outdoor play equipment
Appleby School A giant outdoor chess set
Koromiko School Outdoor fitness equipment
Little Footsteps Outdoor activity/obstacle course
Marlborough Boys College Sports gear for lunchtimes and interhouse
Redwoodtown School Resources for the kidz aerobix initiative
Mahana Primary School Sports equipment for lunchtimes
Futures Early Education Play equipment
Nayland Kindergarten Outdoor playground
Nayland Primary Playground equipment for lunchtimes
Uptown Preschool Playground equipment
Rapaura School Sports equipment for lunchtimes
Enner Glynn Playcentre Monkey bars
St Mary's Preschool Physical activity equipment
Greenwood Kindergarten Sporting equipment
Brooklyn School Jump jam dvds, training and equipment
Manuka Community House Universal motor skill set
Birchwood Kindergarten Active play equipment
Blenheim Playcentre Balancing equipment/ challenge course
Motueka High School Sports equipment and a hardship fund
Laura Ingram Kindergarten Balls for catching games
Riverlands School To develop the kicking wall
Tasman School PMP equipment
Witherlea Kindergarten For a new playground
St Paul's Catholic School Jump Jam programme
Richmond Playcentre Geogym, junior jumper and balls
Country Kids Preschool Physical activity equipment
ABC Wairau Preschool Outdoor play equipment
Atawhai Playcentre Soft play equipment
Mayfield School Pool visits, healthy snacks and water bottles
Spring Creek Playcentre Outdoor play equipment
Tahunanui Kindergarten Movement and balance equipment
Victory Square Kindergarten Balls and outdoor play equipment
First Years Richmond Monkey bars and outdoor play equipment
Motueka Playcentre Pedal roller, balance stairs and an activity ladder
Grovetown School 30 safety vests
Salvation Army Fitness programme for On Trak students
Spring Creek School Jump Jam resources
Queen Charlotte College drinking fountain for gymnasium complex

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