FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2006
Local school children will once again be treated to some expert instruction as the local Get Active with the Chill Challenge initiative launches in schools this week. Players from the Thunder Bay Chill Soccer Team will be providing skill-building clinics to classes in registered schools. Over 50 classes consisting of approximately 2000 children in grades four to eight from both Lakehead Public Schools and the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board will be involved in this joint effort between Take Heart Schools and the Thunder Bay Chill.
The launching of the Get Active with the Chill Challenge coincides
with May 10th being Global Move for Health Day, a worldwide initiative
coordinated by the World Health Organization to promote the importance
of physical activity. The push is on for our youth to become more active
and live a healthy lifestyle. Fifty-Seven (57%) of Canadian children and youth
are not active enough for optimal growth and development. The most common
barrier among youth is “feeling ill at ease” or “lack of skill compared to
others”. The intent of the Get Active with the Chill Challenge is to make
children aware of their physical activity levels and help them develop the
skills to participate.
This issue is a natural match for the local Chill Soccer club.
“Part of our mission statement is to provide role models for the youth of our community,” explains Karen Matson, Marketing Director of the Thunder Bay Chill. “I’m thrilled about the opportunity to work with some of our most enthusiastic fans. We’re looking forward to some fun and energizing activities.”
“The clinics are part of a two week long challenge for the children,” states Anne Ostrom, Health Promotion Planner for Physical Activity at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. “Participants commit to be active for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 2 weeks in a row. Each participant will be entered for a classroom draw. Those who complete the challenge successfully will be entered in a draw at each school for a larger prize. As part of the challenge, all registered schools will attend a specially scheduled afternoon exhibition game on Wednesday June 21st beginning at 12 noon at Fort William Stadium.
Soccer is the number one participant sport in the World, in Canada, and even in Thunder Bay. It surpassed hockey in popularity about 7 years ago.
Thunder Bay currently has over 6,000 participants registered in various soccer clubs. It is estimated that an additional 2,500 players are not registered but play soccer in Thunder Bay and District. The level of participation covers a wide range from mini soccer programs, which introduce the game to the children, to a competitive travel team in the Lakehead Express Soccer Club. Both competitive and recreational soccer is available to adults in senior Women and Men's leagues. And of course there is the Thunder Bay Chill offering semi-pro levels to players in the North American League.
Health Canada recommends that: Children and youth be active for about 1.5 hours each day. 30 minutes of that should be vigorous (running, soccer etc). Activity can be added up in blocks of 5-10 minutes each. This is no easy task, as children spend an average of 26 hours watching TV and 30 hours sitting in school each week. This doesn't include the hours they spend in front of a computer doing homework or playing video games.
Staying active helps children in a variety of ways. Notably, regular physical activity can help them:
- Improve self-esteem;
- Improve academic performance;
- Build strong, healthy bodies;
- Maintain a healthy weight.
For more information about physical activity, parents can visit the Healthy Living Page at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit website. For more information about the Chill visit http://www.thunderbaychill.com