South Shore Physical Activity Grants Make a Difference

HEALTH PROMOTION--South Shore Physical Activity Grants Make a Difference

People in the South Shore 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.

One of the unique and promising programs taking place on the South Shore is Fit and Fun Families, organized by the South Shore Resource Association. Families learn together through Jump Start, a gymnastics program for children between the ages of three and six, and Heart Smart, a seven-session course that teaches people about heart-smart food choices.

"The purpose of this program is to help families become fit, not only throughout the program but for life," said Mr. MacDonald. "By teaching families together, and getting children into physical activity at an early age, we can accomplish this goal."

For more information on the grant program, contact Health Promotion's representative in the South Shore, Debby Smith, by e- mail at smithde@gov.ns.ca, or call 902-543-5000. 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 South Shore and provincewide follows:

• - Fit Youth, South Queens Community School Fitness Centre, $10,000
• Fit-N-Fun Families, South Shore Family Resource Association, $10,000
• Peer Leadership Co-ordinator, Yarmouth Leisure Services, $10,000
• Jump To It, Forest Ridge Academy and Clark's Harbour Elementary, $8,514.53
• Intro Syncro and Teen Learn to Skate, Yarmouth Skating Club, $9,180
• Yarmouth Wrestling Club, $8,000
• Snow Tracks 2005, Gold River Western Shore Elementary School, $4,000
• Destination UP-Reach, HeartWood Centre for Community Youth Development, $6,000

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