Action pass returns for students

Grade 5 students across the region will once again have the chance to swim, skate and be active for free.

The Grade 5 Action Pass from the region can be used at the YMCA on Mary Street here in Oshawa, the Durham College/UOIT Campus Ice Centre and the Abilities Centre in Whitby.

The passes are available at municipal recreation centres or at the Mary Street YMCA, and a proof of address and date of birth is required.

According to a release from the region’s health department, the passes are part of an initiative to get kids up and active as many aren’t getting enough exercise. In fact, a recent report from ParticipACTION found that only 14 per cent of children aged five through 11 are getting the amount of daily exercise they need.

“Grade 5 is a critical time to promote a commitment to physical activity throughout life,” states Aliya Desai, a public health nurse with the health department, in the news release. “We find that as students reach higher grades, physical activity levels tend to drop-off. The Grade 5 Action Pass program supports Grade 5 students to be active and enjoy free, fun physical activities every day.”

For more information on the pass, call the Durham Health Connection at (905) 666-6241, or visit durham.ca/physicalactivity.