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Finding new ways to get students active can be a challenge, but Rob Grantham, teacher and vice-principal at Valley View Elementary in Courtenay, has discovered an interactive and interesting way to do this. His school introduced SportFit to students in grades 1-6 and now plans to run the program twice a year.
"SportFit is an easy way to get our students out of their desks, active and focused on physical activity," said Grantham.
SportFit is a physical activity and sport motivation program, which inspires children and youth to be active while discovering new sports. This free program is easy-to-use and can be incorporated into classrooms, recreation centres and community events.
During the SportFit Challenge, participants perform eight simple physical activities, answer an online personal preference questionnaire, and then receive a certificate detailing three summer and three winter sports which match their abilities and interests. SportFit also connects children and youth with the Olympic and Paralympic Games through online information and streaming videos of 78 summer and winter sports.
"Now that they've done it once, they can't wait to do it again to see what sports they'll be matched with," said Grantham. "SportFit has the added benefit of helping me motivate the students to be physically active."
