Parksville Qualicum Beach area communities have been selected as one of nine B.C. areas to take part in the Physical Literacy for Communities – British Columbia initiative.
Supported by the Active People, Active Places, BC Physical Activity Strategy and delivered by the Sport for Life Society, the aim is to increase the physical activity levels of Parksville Qualicum Beach residents by working with local partners from health, education, recreation, sport and the media sectors in advocating physical literacy.
The province-wide initiative is geared towards educating and activating local decision makers, build capacity by training leaders, and create the environment to develop physical literacy in multiple settings and sectors resulting in a positive impact on community health and well-being.
The initiative provides targeted funding of up to $50,000 over a two-year period, along with mentorship and support toward the collaborative design and multi-sector development of physical literacy. The key phases of the initiative are Educate, Train, and Mentor.
“The Physical Literacy for Communities – British Columbia initiative encourages community partners to work together to promote physical literacy experiences, while enriching and building capacity in the Oceanside area around the delivery of physical literacy programming for all ages and abilities,” says Chris Wright, Physical Literacy for Communities–British Columbia Community Mentor for the Parksville Qualicum Beach area.
“We are excited about the opportunity to work with our local partners, the Physical Literacy for Communities – B.C. team and our community in advancing active participation through the development of physical literacy,” says Bill Veenhof, Regional District of Nanaimo chair. “This initiative engages our partners to consider physical literacy development across all sectors and especially to those underserved due to a number of constraints.”
“When people develop physical literacy, they are much more likely to lead active, healthy lifestyles,” says Richard Way, Sport for Life CEO. “We are pleased to see that see the Oceanside area and Regional District of Nanaimo are investing in making this a priority for its children and youth, and we are excited to work with its community stakeholders to make physical literacy a reality for all.”
Physical Literacy for Communities is a Sport for Life project. The goal is to unite the five key community sectors of recreation, education, health, sport, and media to improve the quality of physical, cultural, intellectual, social, and mental health in Canada. The goal of this messaging is to create a welcoming environment for any and all new collaborators. Health and physical activity is for everyone.
— NEWS Staff/RDN report