The benefits of being active for young people are well understood – beyond improving physical fitness, to promoting mental health and wellbeing.
 

For this reason, schools around the country and across the West Coast region are taking a special interest in making sure that kids can keep motivated – with a programme known as PALs (Physical Activity Leaders).

This week in Greymouth, Sport Canterbury’s Regional Office welcomed 67 students from eight West Coast schools to the Westland Recreation Centre, for a workshop designed to develop young mentors and inspire coaches of the future.

"PALs is a leadership opportunity for primary aged kids,” says Sport Canterbury Regional Office Manager Jack O’Connor. “They learn how to activate their playgrounds as an inspiring space, and create new opportunities for younger students to engage in play.

According to O’Connor, kids learn to rely on each other, building trust amongst peers and leading by example.

“PALs is aligned to the community coaching framework and can be the start of their coaching journey.”

PALs, for many years, has been a win-win – for families and for schools.

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