CANBERRA primary school students are reversing weight problems, obesity and poor fitness as part of the SmartStart for Kids Healthy Eating, Exercise and Living Program.
In 2010 and 2011, Weetangera Primary School students in Years K, 2 and 4 had their health and fitness screened as part of the ACT Government funded HEELP program. A group of 22 primary school children were identified as being in “need of special assistance” and joined an intensive seven-week after school program.
Since then, they’ve broken personal records in “body composition”, “cardio fitness” and “improving power and functional coordination”.
“This is an amazing result and demonstrates that the ACT can lead the nation in addressing the child obesity and poor fitness epidemic,” SmartStart for Kids program’s Rob de Castella said.
“It’s a credit to all involved and is an example of a great partnership between the Government, schools, teachers, parents and SmartStart.”
Mr de Castella will recognise the students’ outstanding achievements on Monday.
HEELP was designed by SmartStart, teachers and health experts, incorporating intense, fun, physical activity and healthy eating at school and in the home.
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