September 28, 2006

Grade 5 and 6 teachers, students and their families are receiving new resources promoting physical activity and are encouraged to take part in the I Love To Run Month Challenge, Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross and Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.

Following a recommendation of the all-party Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures Task Force, Irvin-Ross and Bjornson proclaimed October 2006 I Love to Run Month to promote running and other kinds of moderate and vigorous physical activity.

“We want kids to have fun while increasing their levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity,” said Irvin-Ross. “The I Love To Run Month Challenge encourages kids to set goals for physical activity and provides families with ideas they can use to be more physically active at home.”

Booklets have been distributed to all Manitoba grade 5 and 6 students to help students create their physical activity goals and record their activity levels. When the students meet their goals, they will receive certificates from the province.

“Children need to learn and understand physical activity and how much activity they need to stay healthy,” said Bjornson. “These resources will help teachers integrate physical activity into their lesson plans to motivate kids to get active and have fun.”

In addition, resources for families promote physical activity for the entire family and give tips and ideas for making healthier choices. The resources for grade 5 and 6 teachers provide detailed ideas and suggestions for classroom teachers to incorporate activities in classroom plans.

Irvin-Ross and Bjornson also congratulated the more than 90 Manitoba schools that have achieved the second level of Healthy Schools in motion.

These schools have reached the Activated Level by introducing the Healthy Schools in motion program to their staff and students and have successfully provided 30 minutes of daily physical activity for all students. Each school will receive a banner and student certificates marking their accomplishment as an Activated Healthy School in motion.

For more information on the I Love to Run Month Challenge and Healthy Schools in motion, visit:

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