Colin Higgs, Professor of Physical Education at Memorial University of Newfoundland, and Richard Way, Principal of Citius Performance Group and Project Manager for Long-term Athlete Development, will lead information sessions.

“We’re fortunate to have two of the experts involved in developing the long-term sport development model visit PEI to discuss how the model aims to promote physical activity for life and achieve sport excellence,” said the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs. “I hope many organizations and individuals will take advantage of this opportunity and find out how it can benefit children in Prince Edward Island.”

As part of their work to advance the Canadian Sport Policy, Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers responsible for Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity approved the implementation of the Long-term Athlete Development Model in August.

The model outlines the most appropriate times for children to learn movement and sport specific skills. For example, males aged 6-9 should be learning overall movement skills, whereas males aged 9-12 should be learning overall sport skills development.

“The new model has seven stages, beginning with Active Start and progressing to Training to Win and Active for Life,” explained Brian McFeely, Director of Sport and Recreation for the province. “The upcoming sessions will provide an opportunity to get a clearer understanding of the model and the implications that the new approach will have on the delivery of sport and physical activity programs, locally and nationally.” Sessions are being held on October 13 at Rodd Royalty Inn for provincial sport organizations, policy makers, school, college and university sport, staff of provincial sport and recreation, health and education, as well as other interested not-for-profit sport and physical activity organizations. For further information, please contact the Sport and Recreation Division at 368-4789 or Sport PEI at 368-4110.