New sporting program to keep our kids healthy

UQ Sport's new-look kids program, Active Tribes, was officially launched on June 16 by Queensland Parliamentary Secretary for Healthy Living, Murray Watt.

Fifty kids from St Ita’s Primary School and Brisbane Central State School Local were lead by their sporting heroes in a demonstration of a team athletics activity – one of the many programs offered through Active Tribes.

Sheffield Shield Player of the Season, Chris Hartley joined James Hanson of the Queensland Reds and Sophie Croft of the Queensland Firebirds netball team to host the morning’s activities.

The Active Tribes program aims to get children "active for life", and incorporates a wide range of sports and activities.

Program Coordinator, Sarah Cox said the program was already off to a fantastic start, with around two thousand kids having already participated this year.

Mr Watt said physical activity was a vital element of all children’s development.

“Whether you want to grow up to play sport professionally or simply just play sport for fun, it’s really important to get started from a young age and in a friendly group environment,” he said.

“We’re very lucky to have Active Tribes to provide that environment and it’s great to see so many kids making the most of it”.

UQ Sport Executive Director Kim Guerin said the program would hopefully become an important tool in the war against bullying by teaching children to be accepting of their peers regardless of personal characteristics or cultural differences.

“Our staff members 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.

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