Children get near failing grade for physical activity

WINNIPEG — Sal Capizzi is leading by example.

“I’ve done 22 marathons,” said the Weston School phys ed teacher. “Half of those have been in different cities and countries.”

Capizzi started a running club at his West End school to help get kids healthy.

“Makes me feel more energetic,” said grade five student Kainelle Spence.

But not all kids feel the same way. ParticipACTION has given Canadian children a D- when it comes to physical activity. A near failing grade for the third year in a row.

“Video games is tough to compete against,” said Capizzi.

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Seventy per cent of three and four-year-olds met the recommended three hours of daily exercise. That number though nose dives as kids grow up. Just nine per cent of five to 17-year-olds hit the 60 minute benchmark for moderate to vigorous daily activity.

“It’s really scary to think our children have a lower life expectancy than we do because of their low levels of physical activity,” said the Physical Activity Coalition of Manitoba’s Stephanie Jeffrey.

One of the reasons for such the low grade is actually adults. The report says overprotective parents are limiting kids physical activity levels but not on purpose. Due to fears of serious injuries or other dangers, adults are keeping a closer eye on their kids meaning their spending more times indoors.

“We need to give them the room to play, get them out and have some unstructured activity where adults are not holding their hand,” said Jeffrey.

Freedom to roam and run.

“It’s really fun,” said Spence. “I like racing with people.”