HEALTH/WELLNESS--Funding Continues for After the Bell Program

NOTE: A list of grants announced today, March 7, follows this release.

Young people are taking part in yoga, hiking, dance and self-defence through After the Bell programs in the South Shore region.

Today, March 7, Lunenburg MLA Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine, announced more than $40,000 of funding for after-school activities for children with autism in Chester, as well as programs for youth in New Ross, Newcombville, Aspotogan, New Germany, West Northfield and Lunenburg.

"I really like the girls' activity group, because it encourages me to be active, and I love having the healthy food snacks," said Lunenburg program participant Racesa Pierce.

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. Research shows just 21 per cent of girls meet the standard of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. 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 Ms. Lohnes-Croft. "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. In the South Shore region, activities are offered in partnership with local municipalities, South Shore Regional School Board, and community groups.

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

Following is a list of South Shore region grants announced today:

• Chester, Forest Heights Community School, physical activities for children on the autism spectrum and girls’ roller derby, $10,113
• Lunenburg, Lunenburg Recreation Centre, physical activities, $9,903
• Aspotogan Consolidated Elementary School, physical activities, $3,620
• New Ross, New Ross Consolidated School, outdoor sport activities, $4,090
• Trail Blazers programs at Newcombville Elementary, New Germany High School, West Northfield Elementary $12,453