News release

Province Supports Sport Fair

Office of Health Promotion (Jan. 2003 - May 2005)

Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald attended the Milk Energy Sport Fair today, May 1. The fair is a three-day interactive, multi-sport exposition with demonstrations and activities from more than 30 sports. It is co-presented by the Office of Health Promotion and the Medical Society of Nova Scotia, with support from the Government of Canada.

"The energy at Sport Fair is amazing," said Mr. MacDonald, who participated in a basketball demonstration with students. "Our goal is for more youth to become physically active and that is certainly happening here today."

Milk Energy Sport Fair is a Sport Nova Scotia event, designed to increase youth sport participation in the province. It is important to develop healthy lifestyle habits in our children. Research shows that 33 per cent of boys and 27 per cent of girls in Canada are overweight. The numbers for Nova Scotia are about the same. If just 10 per cent more Nova Scotians were physically active, the province could save an estimated $7.5 million in total health care spending.

"If we can help youth form healthy lifestyle habits, such as incorporating physical activity, we can dramatically improve the long-term health of Nova Scotians," said Scott Logan, executive director of the Office of Health Promotion. "Sport Fair allows youth to find a sport they enjoy to be a fun source of physical activity."

Sport Fair will be open to the public on Friday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is being held at Dalplex, 6260 South St, Halifax. Admission is $2.