This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Programme to help children "get up and go"
19/03/2003
A programme that sets out to help all children develop their basic movement competence was launched today.
Scotland's Physical Activity Co-ordinator Mary Allison today welcomed the launch of "Basic Moves" at a conference to help children improve their physical activity hosted by the Scottish Centre for Physical Education, Sport and Leisure Studies (University of Edinburgh) in Edinburgh.
The programme is developed in many different settings including; pre-school activity sessions, primary school P.E. and extra-curricular activities, community based activity clubs and children's play.
Welcoming the programme and giving the keynote address Mary Allison said:
"Children who are given the confidence and skills to "get-up and go" at an early age will grow up to be fitter and healthier. Being active from an early age can reduce the risk factors for heart disease, helps combat obesity, reduces stress, increases concentration and can improve classroom discipline.
"Sadly, many primary children, do not get good quality opportunities to develop their confidence and abilities to run and jump, throw and catch, and as a result lack the confidence to take advantage of the sports and activities open to them. This contributes to a lack of physical activity not only as children but often sticks with us as adults.
"Basic Moves teaches young children to gain confidence in these basic physical skills. A child taking part in Basic Moves will find that being active is fun and skills developed in these type of classes will last them for life. The development of these basic life skills can't just be left to chance any longer."