News release

Physical Education Expert Aims to Boost Youth Activity

Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

Projects aimed at increasing physical fitness among Nova Scotia's youth are now getting help from a local physical education expert.

Frank Covey comes to the Department of Education from the Halifax Regional School Board to work on specific projects over the next year. He holds a Ph.D. in education and has 15 years' experience as a physical education teacher and, most recently, as a junior high and elementary school principal. He has provided both the department and the school board with health and physical education consulting services in the past.

"The school system is one of many players that share responsibility for our children's health and fitness," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "With his extensive background in physical education, Dr. Covey will be a great help to the department as we do our part in encouraging healthy lifestyles among Nova Scotia youth."

One of his key responsibilities will be to work on a ground- breaking study of youth physical activity in the province. The Nova Sport and Recreation Commission is spearheading the study with the help of universities, schools and more than 2,000 public school students whose physical activity will be monitored over four months this fall.

Mr. Covey will work with school boards to implement new safety guidelines for physical education. He will work with the Department of Health and with school boards to develop and implement school smoking policies. He will also work with the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation to complete a new teachers' resource on addictions and prevention of problem gambling.

"I'm pleased to help the department continue its focus on health and physical education needs of children in Nova Scotia schools," he said. "This is truly a community effort. Working with other departments and community organizations, we can ensure that we all play a key role in the current and future health of people in this province."

Mr. Covey's services are jointly funded by the Sport and Recreation Commission, the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation and the departments of Health and Education.