Helping People in Ontario Get Active

Ontario is supporting 127 sport and recreation projects across the province to help children and adults stay healthy and active. Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport was at the Edna Staebler YMCA Child Care facility in Waterloo today to announce support for the Physical Literacy and Recreation Project. This project will engage over 2,000 children and youth in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge in fun activities to get them moving and learn about the importance of staying active. This is one of 127 projects across Ontario that is receiving support through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, which helps people of all ages to: Get involved in sport and recreation programs, with activities ranging from gymnastics for children of varying abilities, to exercise programs for older adults with mobility challenges to local fitness classes for people of all ages and abilities Learn about the importance of physical activity as a foundation for healthy living Become recreation leaders in their communities through training in areas such as coaching, youth development and volunteer development. For children, regular physical activity leads to healthier body weight, stronger bone density and improved mental health. Later in life, physical activity helps maintain health and wellness and can prevent chronic diseases like cancer and Type 2 diabetes. Helping people of all ages stay healthy and active is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.