TORONTO
- ACTIVE2010, a comprehensive new strategy to get more Ontarians physically
active, will contribute to a better quality of life for Ontarians by
helping them become more active and participate in sports, said Ontario
Premier Dalton McGuinty.
"We
marked our first year in office by releasing a progress report on our plan
for Ontario - one that is all about strengthening our province's greatest
competitive advantage: our people," said Premier McGuinty. "It's a
plan to strengthen their education and skills, improve people's health and
ensure our prosperity. ACTIVE2010
supports
all of these priorities."
The
government is investing $5 million a year in ACTIVE2010, to improve
awareness of the benefits of physical activity and motivate people to get
active. This will boost our total funding to the sport and recreation sector
to more than $20 million annually. It
includes a campaign directed at 10- to 14-year-olds to promote a lifetime of
fitness and one at 45- to 65-year-olds to encourage the benefits of
exercise.
The
program will also help remove barriers that prevent people from
participating in sport and recreation programs - particularly low-income
children, older adults and people with a disability.
As
part of the program, a Communities In Action Fund will provide increased
support for physical activity projects and local sports programs.
Premier McGuinty, joined by Tourism and Recreation Minister Jim
Bradley, today awarded the first grant - $125,000 to Variety Village to
provide adapted physical education classes to 600 students with disabilities
from schools around the Greater Toronto Area.
"Currently, less than half of Ontarians are physically active on a regular basis," said Minister Bradley. "We want to remove the barriers to participation and encourage people to get more active and healthy."
Physical
inactivity costs Ontario's health care system about $1.8 billion every year.
Studies show 56 per cent of children over age 12 are not getting the
health benefits associated with an active lifestyle.
Many stop participating in sports when they enter their teens.
Similarly, approximately 60 per cent of older adults are inactive.
"I
know for a lot of us, it's hard to find the time and the energy to be
physically active every day, but I encourage Ontarians to get moving and get
fit," said Premier
McGuinty. "By
working together, and playing together, we can ensure healthier, more active
lifestyles and a quality of life that is second to none."
For more information go to www.active2010.ca