THE Welsh Government has today announced £1.78 million for a new scheme designed to get children “hooked on sport for life”.
The money is to be spent on getting Welsh school children to adopt healthier, more physically active lifestyles.
Sport Wales, which promotes sport development, will work with schools to create guidance in the form of a Physical Literacy Framework.
The new Physical Literacy Programme for Schools was announced by Education and Skills Minister Huw Lewis and Culture and Sport Minister John Griffiths. It aims to increase sport opportunities and participation in schools in Wales, particularly in deprived areas.
The scheme also hopes to involve prominent athletes in community and school sports days.
Education Minister Lewis said: “The significant funding we’ve announced today will widen children and young people’s engagement in physical education and sport in schools, particularly within schools in deprived communities”.
The scheme is designed to meet Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson’s recommendation that young people become physically literate.
The 11-time Paralympic Games gold medallist said: “Being active and taking part in sport has so many benefits that we should be doing everything we can to provide children and young people with the skills and confidence to enjoy a lifelong relationship with sport.”
Ministers say a further £2.35 million to continue the work in 2015-16 has been agreed in principle, but remains subject to review.
