Government of Canada Supports New Passport for Life Youth Literacy Tool

BRAMPTON, ON, Sept. 24, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced funding to Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) for its Passport for Life project and to help develop other youth-oriented physical literacy reference tools. This announcement was made at the official launch of the Passport for Life, grades 3 to 6 program, at Treeline Public School, which is proud to showcase the tool.

"The Passport for Life tool will bring a unique and innovative online approach to teaching our children about physical literacy," said Minister of State Gosal. "Thanks to PHE Canada, our young generation will have more tools to learn about basic sport and movement skills, so they can be motivated and equipped to lead active, healthy lives. We encourage teachers from across Canada to try out this great new online resource!"

"Every journey begins with a recognition of where you are and where you want to go. The power of Passport for Life is that it gives students, parents, and teachers a roadmap to understanding their development of physical literacy skills," said Chris Jones, Executive Director and CEO of PHE Canada. "With this map in hand, children can continue a path toward being active, happy, and healthy throughout their lives."

Passport for Life is an online tool that supports the assessment, development and advancement of physical literacy among students and teachers. It is also intended to increase knowledge, awareness, and understanding of physical literacy.

Physical and Health Education Canada is this country's premier professional organization for physical and health educators. It supports schools in becoming "Health Promoting Schools" that include the provision of quality daily physical education and foster healthy school communities. PHE Canada assists schools through a range of programs, resources, and initiatives.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $152,700 in 2013-2014 to PHE Canada through Sport Canada's Sport Support Program. This program aims to develop athletes and coaches at the highest international levels, provide sound technically based sport programming for all athletes, increase the number of Canadians from all segments of society involved in sport, and advance our country's interests and values here and abroad.

For more information about this initiative, visit the Passport for Life website.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

For more information (media only), please contact:

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
[email protected]

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)