Mrs Watson said: “With obesity on the increase we all want our children to have fun getting healthy.
"5x60 is about getting active for at least 60 minutes, 5 x a week. It doesn’t have to be all at once - a 10 minute walk to school, a 20 minute kick about and a half-hour bike ride will do.
“With 218 secondary schools supporting the scheme, and a 5x60 officer employed in every school to provide extra-curricular opportunities to get fit, the scheme is proving to be popular and successful among pupils.”
She also praised this month’s School of the Month, saying:
“I am delighted that Penglais Comprehensive School in Aberystwyth has been named School of the Month for its efforts to get young people fit and active.
“Pupils have been learning to street dance along with trying indoor climbing, mountain biking and bench ball, which is like dodgeball. They are also gaining qualifications - around 15 of the climbing group pupils have received a level 2 certificate for climbing.
“With 36% of the school’s 1,024 pupils taking part in 5x60 activities, staff and pupils can be proud of their efforts - it is a model for all.
“The Assembly’s 5x60 scheme recognises that children are more likely to stick to an exercise that they really enjoy. That’s why schools across Wales are introducing less traditional exercise such as cheerleading lessons, dodgeball, and street dance alongside the more traditional sports of football and badminton. The scheme is all about getting fit and having fun at the same time.
“Schools are being highly imaginative and innovative in the ways in which they are encouraging the pupils to engage with sport and fitness. I am confident that the 5x60 scheme will go from strength to strength.”
Launched in October 2006 and supported by a £7.6million investment by the Welsh Assembly Government, the programme – managed by Sports Council for Wales - aims to help ensure that secondary school pupils are undertaking 60 minutes of sport and physical activity five times a week.
Research has demonstrated that 5 x60 is:
- Increasing participation in sport, particularly among those who would normally prefer to stay on the sidelines
- Increasing children’s self-esteem
- Improving behaviour in classes and the schoolyard
- Raising awareness of the importance of exercise
To find out more about the Welsh Assembly Government’s 5x60 programme, visit www.5x60.org.uk
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