Grant boosts school fitness

NORTH Geelong Secondary College and Nelson Park School have received a helping hand from the Victorian government to support more students to get physically active.

Both schools received a $300,000 grant as part of the government’s Active Schools initiative, which encourages a whole-school approach to physical activity and focuses on finding opportunities for students to be active throughout the school day, regardless of whether they are in class, at lunch or travelling to and from school.

Previous grant recipients have used the funds to ‘upskill’ physical education teachers, buy and upgrade sports equipment, build outdoor learning spaces and establish new programs such as bicycle education or dance.

Lara MP Ella George said the benefits of the program were far-reaching and ensured that students were equipped with the skills, confidence and motivation they need to be active for life.

“The Active Schools program will help students at North Geelong Secondary College and Nelson Park School find a sport and recreation activity that they love, maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and improve their overall health and wellbeing,” she said.

Up to 500 schools across the state have shared in more than $20 million in funds to bolster the health and wellbeing of their students since the Active Schools initiative was launched in 2020.

Minister for Education Ben Carroll said the government was committed to supporting local kids to learn healthy habits at school.

“Even 15 minutes of physical activity can be all it takes to boost the overall wellbeing of our children,” he said.