HEALTH/WELLNESS--Funding Continues for After the Bell Program in Fundy Region

NOTE: A list of grants announced today, March 10, follows this release.

Young people are taking part in skating, kickboxing, yoga and other activities through After the Bell programs in the Fundy region.

Today, March 10, MLA Terry Farrell, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine, announced $16,000 in funding for after-school activities in Oxford, Parrsboro, Springhill and Amherst.

"After the Bell provides junior high students the opportunity to get active and for those who don't know how to skate the opportunity to learn," said Corey Crocker, Amherst physical activity co-ordinator. "This program is a great way to show the importance of living a physically active and healthy lifestyle."

After the Bell aims to increase physical activity in youth ages 12 to 15-years-old, with a priority to involve girls. Research shows just 21 per cent of girls meet the daily standard of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Last year, 79 per cent of the 1,958 After the Bell participants were girls.

"I'm pleased to see young people taking advantage of After the Bell after-school activities close to home," said Mr. Farrell. "Physical activity is so important to a healthy lifestyle, and the earlier it becomes a habit, the better off our children and youth will be."

Groups that receive After the Bell funding can decide which activities they would like to run based on the needs of their community.

Government is investing $282,000 in After the Bell projects in 67 communities across the province.

Following is a list of grants announced today:

• Town of Oxford, physical activities like skating and kickboxing, $4,000
• Town of Parrsboro, yoga, fitness, biking and healthy eating, $4,000
• Springhill, Dr. Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre, physical activities like group fitness and strength training, $4,000
• Amherst, Amherst Stadium, skateboarding and skating, $4,000