Grade 5 Action Pass returns

With the school year in full swing (and many students already looking ahead to the winter break next month), the Region of Durham is launching this year’s edition of the Grade 5 Action Pass.

The pass gives all of Durham’s fifth graders access to free public swimming, public skating and various other programs to help keep them physically active.

According to statistics from the region’s health department, only 20 per cent of area elementary school students are getting the daily recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. In addition, ParticipACTION’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth gives Canadian children a grade of D minus in overall physical activity. The report found that only 14 per cent of five to 11-year olds are getting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity every day, with this number dropping to five per cent for children 12 to 17-years old.

“The report card is concerning and it’s important to note that grade 5 is an important time in a child’s life to promote a commitment to physical activity throughout life,” states Lindsey Partridge, a public health nurse with the health department, in a 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, please call the Durham Health Connection Line at 1-800-841-2729, or visit durham.ca/physicalactivity.