First Physical Literacy Summit a Huge Success
The Central East Physical Literacy Project hosted its first Summit “Physical Literacy for Lifelong Participation” April 15 and 16 at the Holiday Inn, Peterborough. Over 100 participants came together to learn, network and strategize to raise awareness about the importance of getting the residents of the region participating in physical activity across the lifespan.
Canada’s leaders in physical literacy gathered in Peterborough for the CEPLS 2016
“Literacy has provided us with knowledge and now physical literacy can convert that knowledge into action. The seeds of a healthy lifestyle were sown at the Summit,” said Dr. Dean Kriellaars, Canada’s renowned physical literacy researcher and advocate from the University of Manitoba. Dr. Kriellaars was joined by Brandy Tanenbaum, co-lead of the Play Safe Initiative from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre to deliver keynote addresses.
The Summit also provided an opportunity for representatives from different organizations to come together for the first time to discuss physical literacy. “We were encouraged to see sport, recreation, education, early child care and health sectors come together at the summit to learn how to work together to provide quality physical literacy environments and opportunities for people of all ages,” said Lisa Kaldeway, Co-chair of the Central East Physical Literacy Project.
The Central East Physical Literacy Project is a collaborative of agencies including: Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, Kawartha Lakes Sport and Recreation Council, Trillium Lakelands District School Board and other agencies from Northumberland and Peterborough counties.
“I was struck by the level of engagement of the participants; they were inspired and motivated to be the change makers in their communities by becoming physical literacy champions.”
Dr. Kriellaars
Physical literacy champions of the Central East region
Summit participants from the City of Kawartha Lakes region returned home as newly inspired champions of physical literacy. “The Kawartha Lakes Sport and Recreation Council (KLSRC) was pleased to be involved in planning the Summit and looks forward to hosting several follow-up training opportunities through the CEPLP. The City of Kawartha Lakes was well represented by KLSRC partners and community members as both volunteers and participants at the Summit,” said Gary Pearson, Coordinator of the KLSRC.
The Physical Literacy Summit is just one of the initiatives that The Central East Physical Literacy Project will be offering. The Project aims to engage leaders in sport, recreation, health, education, and municipal government and will be working to provide education and training to foster communities where residents are active for life.
Funding for the Summit was provided in part by the RBC Learn to Play Project, with the goal to help children develop the confidence and skills they need to enable them to play, and become happy, healthy and active for life.
Learn more on the KLSRC Physical Literacy page.
“Physical literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.” – International Physical Literacy Association