The local YMCA is going to put almost $520,000 from the province to work in an effort to get more people active.
The Y, along with the local school boards and municipal government, will work to “create a community where people understand, value, and develop physical literacy and participate in physical activity that supports their well-being.”
Kathi Lomas McGee, Senior VP of Operations YMCA of Southwestern Ontario says the plan will be implemented over three years with the goal of connecting with 800 people.
“We are all collectively trying to work together around a very deliberate structure and strategy to give people the tools they need to be able to influence children and youth around physical literacy,” Lomas McGee explains. “At the end of the day, our goal is as these kids grow up, we will have a healthier community.”
Physical inactivity is linked with a number of chronic diseases and conditions including obesity and heart disease. In Chatham-Kent over 60% of adults and 40% of youth are overweight.