Active Tribes program to be officially launched at UQ

UQ Sport’s new kids program, Active Tribes, will be officially launched on Wednesday, June 16 by Parliamentary Secretary for Healthy Living, Murray Watt.

Local sporting stars including the Sheffield Shield Player of the Season, Chris Hartley from the Queensland Bulls, will join around 50 kids to showcase the program at the UQ Athletics Centre, St Lucia.

Also helping out will be James Hanson of the Queensland Reds and Sophie Croft of the Queensland Firebirds netball team.

The Active Tribes program aims to get children "active for life" and is set to become an important tool in the war against issues such as bullying and childhood obesity.

The program provides a fun, friendly and social sporting program for children aged between 6 months and 17 years, and incorporates a wide range of sports and activities.

Parliamentary Secretary for Healthy Living, Murray Watt said Active Tribes was a step in the right direction for the health and development of children in the area.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for kids and parents, and we are very lucky to have this program to assist in the development of our children,” Mr Watt said.

“Physical activity plays a vital role in a child’s development and it’s great to see so many kids getting involved in such a positive environment”.

The Active Tribes program promotes personal growth and development while providing a safe and friendly environment for children to foster a love of physical activity from a young age.

UQ Sport Executive Director Kim Guerin said the program would hopefully teach children to become accepting of all their peers regardless of personal characteristics or cultural differences, while also educating them about the benefits of an active lifestyle.

“Our staff are committed to the development of children through the key values of trust, integrity and fun, creating an environment that is positive, safe and inclusive, where bullying is not welcome and where kids are passionate about keeping active,” Ms Guerin said.

The official launch of the program will take place at the University of Queensland Athletics Centre at 10:00am on Wednesday, June 16. All media and interested parents are welcome to attend.

Media: Simon Byrne (07 3346 7518, simonb@uqs.com.au)