“It is intended to use sport is a means
of conveying a range of positive messages such as a healthy lifestyle and
to investigate the link between physical exercise and improved concentration
in the classroom” said Mr Wilson.
“There is academic evidence from North
America in particular, that participation in even modest but regular physical
exercise can improve a child’s concentration in classes and thereby improve
their levels of academic attainment”
“The scheme has proved enormously
popular in Paisley following the launch there of a pilot project and this
year 24 schools have signed up and around 1200 Primary school children
are participating” said Mr Wilson.
“The objective is to make sport accessible
by ensuring that participation is free and that you don’t need the ‘right
kit’ to join in. This, it is hoped, will stimulate a long-term interest
in physical exercise and it’s health benefits which children will carry
through into adulthood. In this way it is intended to combat kids storing
up health problems in later life through an inactive lifestyle and unhealthy
diet ” said Mr Wilson.
In Paisley a number of participants
have received a fitness test, prior to starting the project and will be
tested at the end of the programme. In addition, teachers, parents and
youngsters will be invited to fill in questionnaires so that the project
can be fully evaluated at the end of the session and the findings inform
future developments.
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