NL Sports Centre

Active Start Program

Introduction

Participating in physical activity is essential for the growth and development of children in the first 6 years of their life. Recent research has shown that getting sufficient physical activity in this age range enhances the child’s brain function, imagination, gross motor skills, coordination and social skills. The hope is that having opportunities to experience the basic movements of many sports at a very young age, children will acquire the confidence and skills that will carry them into a lifetime of participation in sport and activity.

Who and Where?

Recognizing the need for physical activity at this age, the NL Sports Centre, in partnership with Cygnus Gymnastics, is offering the Active Start Program for children up to 6 years of age at their facility at 100 Crosbie Road. The program will run every Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on a “drop in” basis and is completely FREE!

Facilities, Equipment and Benefits

Utilizing the huge gymnasium located in the NL Sport Centre as well as the large range of equipment stored in the facility, children will have the opportunity to learn the following fundamental movement skills that are identified under Canada’s new Long Term Athlete Development Plan:

- Crawling - Climbing - Balancing
- Walking - Jumping - Swerving
- Running - Kicking - Throwing
- Skipping - Tumbling - Catching