ActivPass encourages Grade 5 and 9 students to get active

Local Grade 5 and 9 students are again encouraged to get active with the 2022-23 ActivPass. After being put on pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kingston Gets Active, along with community partners, is again offering free access to many recreational facilities in and around Kingston at designated times.

According to a release from Kingston Gets Active (KGA), Canada’s 2020 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth revealed an overall physical activity grade of D+. The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommend that those five to 17 years of age accumulate at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity, no more than two hours per day of recreational screen time, and adequate sleep.

“Physically active children and youth are more likely to maintain a healthy body weight, build a healthy heart, and strengthen muscles and bones,” KGA said in the release. “Other benefits of physical activity include improvements in self-esteem, mental health and mood, behaviour, and academic performance.”

To help students become more physically active, Kingston Gets Active, in partnership with KFL&A Public Health, Limestone District School Board, Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, and sport and recreation facilities in the surrounding communities (City of Kingston, Loyalist Township, Town of Greater Napanee, Township of Central Frontenac, Township of South Frontenac, Township of Stone Mills), is encouraging an active lifestyle through the ActivPass initiative, according to the release.

“By encouraging regular physical activity outside of the school environment, it is hoped that students will continue to pursue an active lifestyle beyond Grade 5 and 9,” explained Kristin Côté, coordinator of Kingston Gets Active.

Grade 5 and 9 students will receive their ActivPass at school and Grade 9 students can also use their student card, according to KGA. With this pass, students have free access to participating sport and recreation centres for public swims, skates, or gym use. Students can find activities being offered at City of Kingston facilities, Queen’s Athletic and Recreation Centre, BGC South East, and more. New this year is a partnership with the Royal Kingston Curling Club, where Grade 5 and 9 students will have the opportunity to try out curling.

For more information and to find the schedules of all participating facilities in one place, visit www.KingstonGetsActive.ca.