18 May 2007

Mission-On campaign sponsors children's TV show

Encouraging children's interest and enjoyment of physical activity and healthy eating is a new part of the popular children’s television show ‘Studio 2’ and its website ‘The Hub’, thanks to Mission-On sponsorship, Sport and Recreation Minister Trevor Mallard announced today.

The sponsorship is part of the Labour-led government's $67 million Mission-On campaign that is aimed at encouraging children and young people to adopt healthy nutrition and physical activity habits that will last them for life.

"Television is a great medium for encouraging children and young people to think about their lifestyles, discuss issues that confront them, and ultimately make healthy nutrition and physical activity choices," Trevor Mallard said.

Beginning tomorrow, Studio 2 (8.30am TV2 on Saturdays) will feature a range of segments focused on healthy lifestyle topics including:

- The gym – featuring an animated personal trainer teaching a range of exercises and activities.
- The body – a series of animations showing how the body works, and demonstrating the concept of “energy in, energy out”.
- The kitchen – a weekly competition to cook a nutritional breakfast for parents every Saturday morning.
- Heroes – inspiring children by profiling ambassadors and other kids doing great things.
- The Doc – tips on keeping your body in shape and healthy and an opportunity for children to find out about sports-related ailments that may be bothering them.

Through The Hub website www.the-hub.tv young people have the opportunity to interact with each other, and with special guests, and to post their own videos, photos, and stories.

"The aim is to talk with kids in ways that resonate with them. It’s about providing information in a fun and entertaining way and showing them how they can make changes and positive choices in their lives," Trevor Mallard said.

Other Mission-On initiatives include a Lifestyle Ambassadors campaign, and nutrition guidelines for schools and broadcasters. The campaign is being delivered by the government’s agency for sport and recreation, SPARC and the Ministries of Health, Education and Youth Development. See also Mission-On on www.sparc.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media