SASKATCHEWAN LAUNCHES HEALTHY KIDS SCHOOL CHALLENGE

Today, during Education Week celebrations at Silverspring School in Saskatoon, Education Minister Donna Harpauer launched the Healthy Kids School Challenge, a province-wide initiative to encourage children and youth to participate in 30 minutes of daily physical activity and eat healthy foods at school.

Healthy levels of physical activity and a well-balanced, nutritious diet supports lifelong active living and contributes to academic achievement.

"The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the good work of schools across the province in providing children and youth opportunities to be physically active and offer healthy food options during the school day," Harpauer said. "The Healthy Kids School Challenge will increase awareness, and provide additional support and encouragement for students, teachers and schools implementing daily physical activity."

"Only 15 per cent of our province's children and youth are achieving the recommended 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity they need each day," in motion Manager Cathie Kryzanowski said. "The 30 minutes of daily physical activity that schools will provide will definitely help work toward making our province's children and youth as healthy as they can be."

"Our Healthy Bodies, Active Minds^TM (HBAM) initiative at Silverspring School promotes optimum conditions for children's learning," Silverspring School Principal Arlene Lazecki said. "Students report that they feel better and are more focused on their learning as a result of enhanced physical education and regular body breaks."

The Ministry of Education, in partnership with other government ministries, and in motion, encourages teachers and students across the province to join in the fun, get active and eat healthy!

For more information on the Healthy Kids School Challenge, please visit www.education.gov.sk.ca/challenge.

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For more information, contact:

Jill Welke
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609