Highland Area Physical Activity Grants Make a Difference

HEALTH PROMOTION--Highland Area Physical Activity Grants Make a Difference

People in the Highland area have more opportunities to be active through new projects supported by the Office of Health Promotion's physical activity grants.

Health Promotion provided grants totalling $500,000 to more than 100 groups throughout the province to help Nova Scotians get active through walking, swimming, dancing, boxing and many other physical activities.

"These programs provide a wide range of opportunities for Nova Scotia children, families and seniors, who might not otherwise be active," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "Nova Scotians are not as active as they should be, but that is changing thanks to groups across the province that are receiving these grants and developing programs."

The Physical Activity Grant Program supports initiatives that create or increase participation in organized and unstructured forms of sport, physical recreation and active transportation. Programs focus on those who are currently inactive, with priority placed on young people.

In the Highland area, a program called PLAY: Physical Lifestyle and Youth, aims to reach children in eight rural communities in the Municipality of St. Mary's. PLAY is an after-school program that gives young people the opportunity to be involved in structured physical activity, so they can learn and enjoy being physically active in a comfortable setting. More than 100 children between the ages of five and 12 will be involved in the program.

"Playing sports, alone or as part of a team, or simply getting outdoors to play is an important aspect of staying active for children," said Mr. MacDonald. "This program will show children that the games they play are good for them, as well as fun."

For more information on the grant program, contact Health Promotion's representative in the Highland region, Gerard MacIsaac, by e-mail at macisagx@gov.ns.ca, or call 902-863-7380. Additional information can also be found on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/ohp/srd/pagrants .

Note: A list of programs that have received funding in the Highland area and provincewide follows.

• PACY (Physically Active Children and Youth), Municipality of Guysborough, $10,000
• Groovin' with Geography, Scotsburn Elementary School, $1,000
• Jump Up & Go, Town of New Glasgow, $6,000
• Snow Shoes, Town of Antigonish, $8,000
• Antigonish Badminton Club, Antigonish Badminton Association, $3,245
• Active Lifestyle, Summer Street Industries, $8,000
• Outdoor Activities at School & Home, Pictou Elementary School, $6,100
• Snowshoeing for Children & Parents, A.G. Baillie Memorial School, $5,000
• Eagles Youth Group Activities, The Eagles Youth Group Association, $3,000
• Staff Exercise Program, Pictou County Health Authority, $7,450

Programs that have received funding provincewide:

• Helmet Program, Recreation Facility Association of Nova Scotia, $10,000
• Learn to Play Program, Softball Nova Scotia, $10,000
• Lifesaving Sport Clinics, Lifesaving Society Nova Scotia, $9,630
• Minor Tennis League, Nova Scotia Tennis Association, $10,000
• 12 & Under Community Volleyball Leagues, Volleyball Nova Scotia, $10,000
• Aboriginal Canoe/Kayak Programming Initiative, Canadian Canoe/Kayak Association, Atlantic Division, $10,000
• Active Family and Young Teen Program, East St. Margaret's School and Community Association, $4,927
• Caper Athletes Promoting Education, Recreation, and Sportsmanship (CAPERS), Harbourside Elementary School, $9,740
• Experience Skiing, Alpine Ski Nova Scotia, $4,000
• Registration Day, Special Olympics Nova Scotia, $10,000
• Run, Jump, Throw After School Track and Field, Athletics Nova Scotia, $3,142
• Summer Youth Track Camp, Ceilidh Track Club, $4,200
• Youth Running for Fun, Doctors Nova Scotia, $6,528