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Kids Need To Stay Physically Active into their Teens

Oct 21, 2018 | 8:23 AM

A current trend shows that teenagers are becoming less active in physical activity and sports.
 
Executive Director of Grande Prairie Sport Council Karna Germsheid says there is a decline in participation after 12 years of age, which is more so for girls than boys.
 
A number of things can play into that decision including injuries and blows to the self-esteem like getting cut from a team.
 
Germsheid says the cost for many sports also remains a barrier for lower-income families.
 
“We have things in place for equipment and registration.  They have Jumpstart and Kidsport which are two very active local charities.”
 
Germsheid adds low-income families can apply for the Low-Income Recreation Access Program, which assists with the cost of rec activities.
 
She adds it’s just as important to know how to move in different environments as it is to read.
 
“When we do not become physically literate, we are not competent in our movement and we do not try new things as we get older.  And as we get older, people pull back from being physically active, trying anything recreational, and they miss out on opportunities to belong to something bigger.”
 
Germsheid says in Grande Prairie there is a selection of 80 sports to choose from.