The situation in Canada
The Canadian education system offers one of the most important opportunities to improve the quality of sport and physical activity for all Canadians. From daycares to universities, the health of the nation and the long-term success of our athletes can be promoted through sport and activity programming at every level of education.
Physical inactivity is a serious problem among our Canadian children. It’s leading to dramatic increases in childhood obesity and significantly increased long-term risks for related illnesses and disease such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Physical inactivity also contributes to poor cognitive development, low academic achievement, poor socialization, and lessened development of community.
For those Canadian children who are active, poor training, and coaching means many of them struggle to succeed in competitive sport later or fail to adopt a healthy, active lifestyle. Physical activity and sport (both formal and informal) teaches our children how to move, behave, and connect with others. Without developmentally appropriate, regular programming for physical activity and sport, schools, and other educational places are missing a vital opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on our youngest Canadians.
How Physical Literacy helps Educators
Our initiatives facilitate the collaboration of the sport, recreation, and health sector with the education sector, and helps align programming across each of these sectors. Our education system plays a pivotal role, beginning with physical literacy during childhood. From our daycares and preschools to our colleges and universities, we hold the key to a vast opportunity to improve the quality of sport, physical activity, and the health of our nation.