Prince Edward Island has partnered with Canadian Tire in Active at School, an initiative to encourage physical activity in Island students before, during and after school, says Premier Robert Ghiz.

“To continue to embrace a culture of wellness, we are pleased to work with our local school communities to help get our kids moving for an hour a day, paving the road for life-long healthy choices,” said Premier Ghiz. “Physical activity is an important component in the creation of a healthy school community. Encouraging healthy lifestyles for children and youth is a key factor in student success and academic achievement.”

Physical activity increases overall health and well-being, helps students develop important social skills and improves concentration, attention span and mood ensuring they are more ready to learn.

Through Active at School, Canadian Tire has committed to a $250,000 multi-year investment towards physical activity initiatives in the province, which will be used to expand the School Health Grant.

Active at School will help support the School Health Grant through equipment donations and marketing efforts. In addition, schools across the province will be eligible for visits from high-profile athletes to inspire kids to get active.

As in past years, schools across the province will have the opportunity to register and apply for grants that will help address the health and wellness needs of individual school communities. The School Health Grant has supported a variety of new and strengthened school health initiatives, which support positive health behaviours and contribute to enhanced student success. Since 2009, 112 projects have been completed across PEI related to healthy eating, physical activity, and the promotion of positive mental health.

“Prince Edward Island and Premier Ghiz have showed great leadership in recognizing the importance of physical activity through the School Health Grant Program and initiatives like go!PEI, and Active at School will help build on those efforts,” said Stephen Wetmore, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Tire Corporation. “We are thrilled to see Prince Edward Island take the bold step of implementing this commitment in all schools in year one.”

Canadian Tire is a founding member of Active at School, a group of over 80 influential, credible organizations from across Canada with an expertise in health and wellness, sport and recreation, industry and education. Launched in late 2013, Active at School works with governments and school partners by offering access to its considerable network, resources and marketing efforts to reverse the trend of inactivity amongst millions of Canadian children and youth.

Learn more about Active at School at activeatschool.ca