The Environment Ministry is financially supporting the final phase of the ‘Fun Fit 5’ study as part of its sustainable development drive. This study analyses the relationship between physical exercise and children’s physical, psychological and academic development.
The study, which was launched in October with the support of the Education Ministry, is being coordinated by the Malta Football Association’s (MFA) Inħobb il-Futbol Foundation (IFF) in collaboration with the Institute of Community Services of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST).
The Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli and the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima announced this collaboration during a training session for the children participating in the study held at Buskett.
The Fun Fit 5 study aims to assess the role of schools in encouraging children to engage in daily physical exercises. Year 4 pupils from the primary schools in Rabat, Zejtun and Pietà are participating in the study through daily training sessions organised by the IFF. MCAST researchers are assessing the measurable benefits of the training on the children’s wellbeing. The study also seeks to identify ways that encourage increased physical exercise for children within schools.
Minister Miriam Dalli thanked the IFF, MCAST and the children of the three schools for their commitment to this important study. “It goes hand in hand with the objectives of Malta’s Sustainable Development Strategy for 2050, which the Environment Ministry launched for public consultation last year. The UN Sustainable Development Goal number 3 calls on us all to improve the wellbeing of all, at all ages. Starting off children on the path to healthier lifestyles is an important pillar of our sustainable future,” the Minister said.
Minister Dalli concluded that this goes hand in hand with Project Green’s role in creating more open spaces, gardens and parks in our communities, where everyone can enjoy training, playing and other activities in green surroundings.
Minister Clifton Grima said that the Fun Fit 5 pilot programme ultimately aspires to bring about a meaningful change through its innovative approach, in the way physical activity is understood, prioritised, and organised in Maltese schools.
“We are aware of the importance of the impact that sports and physical activities have on a healthy life, and equally important that sport is a lifelong process that must start as early as possible. Thus, the Ministry is supporting this initiative with the ultimate aim of having more frequent physical activity in schools and is given the importance it deserves. Our aim is to have an education that will also positively impact our children’s wellbeing,” stated Minister Grima.
IFF Chairman Gareth Sciberras, Project Coordinator Mark Gatt, Project Green CEO Steve Ellul and Sustainable Development Directorate Director Francine Pace Caruana accompanied the Ministers during this event.
Project Green, which is also supporting the Fun Fit 5 study, is embarking on several initiatives to encourage more people to use open spaces for their physical training. Through the Park Fitness web app, users visiting the agency’s parks can try out different workouts with the aid of instructional videos. The app is available on the website project.green.
For more information about Fun Fit 5: https://bit.ly/3BfT4H1.
Photos: DOI/MEEE/MEYR
