KAMLOOPS – On Feb. 20 and 21, Canada’s Tournament Capital shines again. The City of Kamloops will be hosting the first ever Health and Physical Literacy Summit in Western Canada.

The city was awarded $25,000 for their successful RBC Learn to Play grant, making this summit possible. The RBC Learn to Play Grant cheque presentation will take place at the Tournament Capital Centre at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 30.

The city took the leadership role in bringing together partners for the summit, including PacificSport Interior B.C., Interior Health, School District 73, YM/YWCA and Make Children First. This two-day conference is for participants from the health, sport, recreation and education sectors to learn ways to teach children and youth. By working with the Kamloops Thompson Teachers Association, the summit has been scheduled for a regular professional development day on Friday, Feb. 20. The second day, the Saturday, is aimed at early childhood educators, community leaders and parents interesting in learning about healthy lifestyle habits and the importance of being physically literate.

Dr. Dean Kriellaars, faculty member of the Department of Physical Therapy from the University of Manitoba and scientist with the Manitoba Institute of Child Health, will deliver the keynote address: Physical Literacy: The Gateway to Active Participation. Dr. Kriellaars has won two university teaching awards as well as national and international awards for his scientific research and innovation. Delegates will also have the opportunity learn from Dr. Kriellars during the summit as he will be leading two breakout sessions.

Other sessions of the summit include: Play is the Way, ABCs of Developing Athleticism, FUNdamental Movement Skills with Tips and Games, Mindfulness, Nutrition Myths, Spin Tips, Implementation of Physical Literacy in and at School, and Equipping Children for a Physical Literacy Journey. The goal of this summit is for participants to leave with ideas, activities, games and tools they can use to improve the health and physical literacy of children and youth at home, school and in the community. Each school that registers will receive a Physical Literacy Tool Kit. 

For registration or more information, please visit www.kamloops.ca/recreation or contact Nicole Beauregard, Active Living and Sport Development Coordinator at 250-828-3653.

News from © iNFOnews, 2015