News release

Thrive! Program Helps Rural Youth be More Physically Active

Health and Wellness

Youth can be more physically active after school through new community-based programs in Prospect, Hubbards, Sheet Harbour and the Musquodoboit Valley.

Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley MLA Gary Burrill, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson, launched After the Bell in Meaghers Grant today, March 25. The program will provide $23,000 for after-school activities in rural and remote communities in central Nova Scotia where busing and transportation can be a challenge.

"After the Bell builds on the efforts of our community partners to help children grow up to be happy, health and to live long lives," said Mr. Burrill. "I want to thank all the partners who are working with us to make physical activity more accessible to more young people."

After the Bell aims to increase physical activity in 12- to 15- year-olds, the years of greatest decline in physical activity. The priority is to involve girls, as research shows just 21 per cent meet the standard of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily.

"Having this program in my community means that my mom doesn't have to drive me all the way to Middle Musquodoboit all the time for activities," said Madison Lewis, a Grade 7 student at Musquodoboit Rural High School. "She doesn't have to leave work early or waste gas to get me there."

After the Bell is providing $23,000 to each of six regions across the province. In the central region, these groups are getting $5,800 each:

  • Prospect Recreation Centre
  • St. Margaret's School and Hubbards Recreation Centre
  • Totally Awesome Girls Group, Sheet Harbour
  • Amazing Race Workshops, Musquodoboit Valley

"It remains a priority of HRM's Community Recreation Services to increase and sustain physical activity in our junior high youth," said Councillor Barry Dalrymple, District 1, Waverley-Fall River-Musquodoboit Valley. "The After the Bell program will provide more access to organized physical activity programs to teens living in rural communities, and ensure our youth become more active."

Helping junior high-age youth who have trouble accessing physical activity programs, is a government commitment in Thrive!, a plan for a healthier Nova Scotia. The plan addresses preventable chronic disease with 34 actions focused on healthy eating and physical activity.

Learn more at http://thrive.novascotia.ca .