New Games4Life activity packs to be distributed to 1.7 million children

Kids across the country will get their chance to share in the Olympic spirit as Change4Life gears up to unveil its summer plans.

This month, 1.7 million activity packs will start winging their way to 7,000 primary schools across the country as part of Games4Life – a new campaign designed to inspire the population to increase their active minutes.

Teachers at participating schools will receive a resource booklet full of suggested activities such as the Super Games4Life obstacle course or north, south, east, west treasure hunt. The booklet has been designed to be flexible so that teachers can adapt activities across Key Stage 1 and 2. The activity pack contains a wall chart for teachers to use in class and take-home activities for each child to use throughout their summer holidays.

Activity lesson plans and resources will be making their way into classrooms this month to inspire pupils to get up, about and active throughout the summer of 2012 and beyond.

Many children may be less active over the summer holidays than they are at school – as parents often assume that their kids are up and about a lot in their spare time – and they also worry about the amount of time or money involved in keeping kids entertained.

Being active helps us stay healthy by protecting against a range of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. For children, that means being active for an hour a day and two and a half hours a week if you are an adult. Getting into good habits in early life can make all the difference.

Inactivity costs the NHS across the UK £1.06 billion and £5.5 billion in lost productivity from sickness absence.  But less than a third of children get the recommended amount of physical activity.

Change4Life’s presence in schools is key to finding ways to inspire children both inside and outside the school term. The Games4Life packs will work to kick start summer activity and give kids lots of free and fun ideas to take home to the whole family.

Resources are also available to download on the Games4Life resource webpage. Change4Life is asking that teachers consider making the most of them to support the movement and to help  families eat well, move more and live longer.

For more information and details of how to join as a local supporter and for information on all future initiatives register online on the Change4Life school partner page.