Keeping your kids physically active while in school - that's the aim of the English Montreal School Board's annual program launched this morning.
The EMSB's Physical Literacy initiative is being helped along by some high-profile and local celebrity athletes who will speak to children about the importance and fun of exercising and doing other physical activities.
Olympic three-time gold medalist goalie for the Canadian national women's hockey team Kim St-Pierre is among the so-called ambassadors who were present at Hampstead Elementary for the event.
3 time Olympic gold medallist goaltender Kim St. Pierre, retired from Canadian women's hockey team, is among @EnglishMTL Physical Literacy ambassadors this year. Wants to spread the message to kids of how important it is to stay active. #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/iZu1MbZQBN
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) January 25, 2019
St-Pierre said it's important to get into the habit now for better chances of a healthier adulthood.
"I have a special message for the girls - that they need to be active at the elementary school level because once you move to high school, if you're not active at the elementary level, usually you're not going to start to be active at the high school level," said St-Pierre in an interview with CJAD 800.
Other ambassadors include Montreal Alouettes General Manager Kavis Reed and ex-Montreal Canadiens Rick Green and Gaston Gingras.
The program is in line with the Quebec government's measures introduced two years ago to boost physical education in schools.
Quizzing the kids at Hampstead Elementary on their knowledge of physical activity for the launch of @EnglishMTL annual Physical Literacy program. #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/eWlGEoJZ3R
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) January 25, 2019