With one in four ACT kids overweight or obese and more than 80 per cent of children not getting enough daily exercise, a new challenge is encouraging Canberra students to be more physically active.
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The Physical Activity Foundation have launched this year's Active Kids Challenge, which is provided at no cost to ACT primary schools and aims to educate students on the importance of getting enough exercise.
More than 21,000 students across 55 primary schools will participate in this year's challenge, which encourages children to exercise 60 minutes a day - in line with national guidelines on physical activity.
The Active Kids Challenge was officially launched at Harrison School on Monday, where 800 students, teachers and officials gathered in their exercise gear to join in the fun.
Students and teachers got their heart rates up with a Born to Move exercise class by Club Lime.
Sport and Recreation Minister Shane Rattenbury attended the launch and delighted students by joining the exercise class.
"It's really important for kids to develop the skills to be active from a very early age, so that they feel equipped to get involved in physical activity," he said.
"Something like the Active Kids Challenge can teach them about the range of activities available and hopefully over the eight weeks one of the activities will capture their interest".
Physical Activity Foundation chief executive Lucille Bailie emphasised to students the importance of making sure the 60-minute target is met and explained why developing habits of exercise early in life is crucial.
"Active kids are more engaged in the classroom, and they develop positive self-esteem and confidence," she said.
Harrison School principal Jason Holmes praised students for their participation and explained the ways they could reach the 60-minute target.
"I see lots of you out on the playground, running around, playing games with your friends," he said.
Throughout the challenge students will be exposed to four different activity themes: "kick, jump, throw", "move and groove", "ride or walk", and "explore, discover, play".
Students received a piece of fruit for participating in the launch and to encourage healthy eating.
The Active Kids Challenge will run for eight weeks during the school term until September 18.
