The statistics are terrible — study after study shows children all over the world are weaker, do less exercise and are less fit than in the past.
In England alone, despite a slight improvement last year, fewer than half of five to 16-year-olds achieve the government's recommended 60 minutes' exercise a day and poorer children are most likely to miss out.
Many experts think physical activity needs to start at a very young age, and one place taking up the mantle is Teddy Bears Nursery in Washford, West Somerset. Teacher Alison Welch leads a physical activity programme there, designed to boost children's physical skills and teach them that exercise can be fun. It is all part of Healthy Movers, a government-funded programme for two to four-year-olds.
Lack of exercise is a huge factor in poor physical health and obesity. It is also linked with poor emotional wellbeing, and if children reach reception age without the core physical strength to sit straight in a chair or to grip a pencil, they start school at a massive disadvantage. Youth Sport Trust says children must start early, aiming to boost fitness, strength, agility and skills before they have the chance to be self-conscious about their bodies, and start trying to avoid school PE.
So far, only a few hundred children have taken part in the programme since it began in October 2018, but the interim results are encouraging. So far, only a few hundred children have taken part in the programme since it began in October 2018, but the interim results are encouraging.
It would be great to see some similar types of programs introduced into Hong Kong.
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