Trevor Mallard Launches New PlayGym Resource
Sport and Recreation Minister Trevor Mallard today launched PlayGym, a resource aimed at keeping kids active, during a launch at Takapuna Kindergarten in Auckland.
Gymsports New Zealand's PlayGym resource is a set of activity cards developed to provide simple and effective ways for caregivers, parents, educators and others to provide activity opportunities for two to seven year olds. The cards cover eight key developmental areas: vision; landing and spring; balance; rotation; swing; manipulative play; spatial awareness; and imaginative play.
"We are seeing increasingly sedentary lifestyles and declining levels of physical activity in our children. The earlier we make activity a regular part of children’s lives the sooner it will have a positive effect on their development," Trevor Mallard said.
"We know that all children are born with curiosity and a desire to experience the world around them. This resource helps expose children to positive activity experiences, stimulate neural pathway development and help with their learning
"The Labour-led government recognises the impacts that modern life is having on our children and young people. The government's $67 million dollar Mission-On package aims to help our children and young people make healthy choices about what they eat and to be more active.
"We know active people are healthier, happier and live longer. So it makes sense that the sooner we get children moving the greater chance they will have of a long and healthy life."
Government agency Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC), launched its Active Movement campaign for young children three years ago. Active Movement aims to teach young children fundamental movement skills that aid both physical and cognitive development. Seventeen Regional Sports Trusts throughout New Zealand have Active Movement coordinators working in the community to train and support caregivers in providing activities to children, and assist with the promotion of the Playgym resource.
Other organisations will also promote the Playgym resource including: Plunket, Barnardos, Early Childhood Council, Homegrown Television, Ltd, Swimming New Zealand, the National Heart Foundation, Te Kohanga Reo National Trust, Treasures magazine and Littlies magazine.
Gymsports New Zealand's PlayGym resource is a set of activity cards developed to provide simple and effective ways for caregivers, parents, educators and others to provide activity opportunities for two to seven year olds. The cards cover eight key developmental areas: vision; landing and spring; balance; rotation; swing; manipulative play; spatial awareness; and imaginative play.
"We are seeing increasingly sedentary lifestyles and declining levels of physical activity in our children. The earlier we make activity a regular part of children’s lives the sooner it will have a positive effect on their development," Trevor Mallard said.
"We know that all children are born with curiosity and a desire to experience the world around them. This resource helps expose children to positive activity experiences, stimulate neural pathway development and help with their learning
"The Labour-led government recognises the impacts that modern life is having on our children and young people. The government's $67 million dollar Mission-On package aims to help our children and young people make healthy choices about what they eat and to be more active.
"We know active people are healthier, happier and live longer. So it makes sense that the sooner we get children moving the greater chance they will have of a long and healthy life."
Government agency Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC), launched its Active Movement campaign for young children three years ago. Active Movement aims to teach young children fundamental movement skills that aid both physical and cognitive development. Seventeen Regional Sports Trusts throughout New Zealand have Active Movement coordinators working in the community to train and support caregivers in providing activities to children, and assist with the promotion of the Playgym resource.
Other organisations will also promote the Playgym resource including: Plunket, Barnardos, Early Childhood Council, Homegrown Television, Ltd, Swimming New Zealand, the National Heart Foundation, Te Kohanga Reo National Trust, Treasures magazine and Littlies magazine.