Three Grey County Municipalities will share $375,000. in funding over three years as part of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge.
The Municipality of Grey Highlands, The Township of Southgate, and The Township of Chatsworth are working together to support healthy kids and healthy communities.
The goal of the challenge is to promote healthy eating and physical activity, through projects that encourage kids and families to incorporate physical activity into their lives.
Activities can include tag, soccer or cycling.
The Ministry of Health funding focuses on community led programs with partners working together to implement sustainable activities, programs and policies to reduce and prevent childhood obesity.
The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that children and youth 5-17 years old enjoy over an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.
Students at Highpoint Community School in Dundalk kicked off the first theme, "Run. Jump. Play. Every Day." Students leaders in grades 7 and 8 ran a four square tournament at recess for children in grades 4 to 6.
"The four square tournament gave students an opportunity to develop social skills by collaboratively agreeing upon and implementing consistent rules. They demonstrated persistence and a commitment to skill development, as they practised and prepared for the tournament not only during structured practice but also on their own time. There was a genuine excitement for this activity, which I hope will transition into students' recreational time outside of school," says Carolynn Dyer, Principal at Highpoint Community School.
