Do you know how active your child really is? Or how much physical activity they should be doing each day? The Chief Medical Officer recommends that children aged 5-18 are active for an average of 60 minutes per day! Currently only 2 in every 5 of our children meet this threshold and this means the others are missing out on the physical, emotional and social benefits of moving more. Northumberland School Games aims to provide a range of activities to help children to be more active.
Children like to be active for different reasons. Playing sport is fun for children – but what makes it fun is different for different children. Some children love competition. Some children like to practise and improve their skills. Some like the creative activities such as dancing and gymnastics. And for many of our children the most important reason for being physically active is to be with their friends. That’s why Northumberland School Games covers a wide range of physical activities – festivals, events, competitions for children with SEND, sport leader training, multi-skills competitions, our annual #MakeActiveMemories day at Alnwick and challenges to completed at home. The idea of #MakeActiveMemories underpins everything we do – we know that if we have positive experiences of being active we are more likely to do it again – and it’s good for everyone to move more! This term we are running our Years 3-6 Multi Skills competition. Every school in Northumberland has been invited to participate and the competition sees children across the county practising and measuring their performances in balance, co-ordination and agility challenges. It’s a whole class competition – so everyone’s score counts. Why not ask your child’s school if they’re taking part? But if we’re to get our children moving more, there’s lots that parents and carers, can do. Ask your child what they did at playtime. Praise their effort and improvement even if they don’t win. Get out for a walk with the family. Dance in the kitchen while you’re making tea tonight. Look out for activities running in local leisure centres and sports clubs. Life can be hectic but one of the most important things we can do for our children is to help them to #MakeActiveMemories and set them up for a healthy, active lifestyle as they grow into teenagers and beyond.
Follow us on Facebook @ Northumberland School Games or contact your child’s school for more information. In appreciation of your support, Northumberland School Games Organisers