Program leads 10,000 kids to active living

• Post by: Emma Ostermeier
• 6:25PM Sep 24, 2019
• No Comment

The Human Environments Analysis Laboratory (HEAL) was recently featured by Western News for their work on the Child and Youth Network’s ACT-i-Pass program. The ACT-i-Pass provides grade five students in London free access to recreational programs across the city. Research has shown that daily physical activity levels start declining around nine to ten years of age. The goal of the program is to reverse these trends by removing financial barriers and providing children with opportunities to be active.

Now entering its seventh year, the ACT-i-Pass has provided more than 10,000 children the opportunity to be more active, as well as additional benefits, such as creating social connections. The growth of the program has been credited to word-of-mouth from peers and past participants, as well as the support from partners, including the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, London’s Children Museum, the Boys and Girls Club, and more. Programs like the ACT-i-Pass are important to families who may not have access to nearby recreational spaces or cannot afford membership costs.

HEAL continues to work on ways to improve the program and strategies to increase the number of registrants. With a record number of registrations in the 2019-20 school year, the lab is hoping to reach the goal of 100 percent of grade 5 students in London registered in the program. HEAL’s initiative to help create a healthier community has resulted in a nomination for the 2019 London Pillar Community Innovation Award.

Read the full article here: Western News: Program leads 10,000 kids to active living