Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister of Health
Minister for Sport and Recreation
10 March 2016
Play.sport helps Kiwi kids get more active
Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman today launched Sport New Zealand’s Play.sport initiative.
Silver Fern, Casey Kopua, and Hurricane and Maori All Black, Otere Black also took part in today’s launch at Pinehaven
School, Upper Hutt, Wellington.
“Being overweight or obese is expected to overtake tobacco as the leading preventable risk to health in New Zealand
within the next 12 months,” says Dr Coleman.
“Play.sport is one of the 22 initiatives in the Government’s Childhood Obesity Plan which was launched in October 2015.
We’re now one of the first OECD countries to have a target and a comprehensive plan on childhood obesity.
“The Government is investing over $8 million over four years in Play.sport. It’s a community based initiative to improve
the quality and quantity of physical education and sport in schools and communities.
“34 schools and local communities in Waitakere, Auckland and Upper Hutt, Wellington will receive hands on support,
training and practical assistance to deliver quality sport and physical education opportunities to young people.”
Play.sport is supported by the Ministry of Education and ACC and represents a step-change in the way physical education
and sport is delivered in schools.
ends