Program pushes fat, ‘unskilled’ Geelong kids into sport

OBESE children lacking the “basic skills” of sport are the targets of a new program rolling out in schools across the Geelong region.
Dozens of local schools have signed up to the $100 million federal initiative to “keep kids fit, healthy and happy”, according to Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson.
She noted that a quarter of Australian children were overweight or obese and “many more” performed badly at sport’s “basic skills”, like running, catching, throwing and kicking.
Three-quarters of Australian children spent spare time watching television, only a third managed the recommended hour of physical activity a day and just half were involved in sport, Ms Henderson said.
“That’s why our new Sporting Schools program is so important to ensuring current and future generations of Australian kids keep fit, healthy and happy.”
The program offered schools annual funding for up to three terms of sports activity, Ms Henderson said.
Australian Institute of Sport has launched in conjunction with the program an online guide to help parents encourage their children’s participation in sport.
Institute senior consultant Dr Juanita Weissensteiner said research had identified a “definite reduction” in children’s movement skills and competencies over the past 15 years.
“There is evidence that children who struggle with fundamental skills have a higher tendency to drop out of sport when they reach their teens,” Dr Weissensteiner said.
“Developing fundamental skills early can lead to greater self-belief and enjoyment, creating the potential for a life-long connection with sport and physical activity.”
Registration for the program and access to the institute’s tips are available at sportingschools.gov.au.