Learning about movement at St. Thomas More
15th annual Ontario Physical Literacy Summit comes to west Mountain school Oct. 20.
By Mark Newman
Hamilton Mountain News (October 19, 2023)
Promoting the positive effects from staying active at any age is among the goals of the 15th annual Ontario Physical Literacy Summit slated for Oct. 20 at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School.
That Friday is a professional activity day at the school.
According to the International Physical Literacy Association, physical literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.
“Whether you’re a child, whether you’re a teenager, whether you’re an adult, whether you’re an older adult, that you appreciate sport activities and you understand that it’s good for you,” said Helen Downey, president of SportHamilton, one of the summit partners.
Event co-chair John Madalena said physical literacy is not only about keeping active, but it is also about learning to do the activity you chose correctly.
“This is an intentional way of instructing kids on how to move properly and with confidence because if they move with confidence, they are more likely to stay with that activity,” Madalena said.
More than 200 people, including teachers, local recreation leaders, public health officials, coaches and parents, are expected to attend the event that runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Among the presenters is a keynote address by Dean Kriellaars, a physical literacy expert and associate professor of physical therapy at the University of Manitoba ‘s Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.
Kriellaars is also the scientific director at the Center for Circus Arts Research, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer, Ecole Nationale de Cirque and Cirque du Soleil in Montreal.
Event co-chair Sonia Macaluso said they want to encourage everyone to take part in sports or physical activities regardless of their ability.
“We're creating a movement of enjoying (physical activity) and we’re taking out the stigma if you are not an athlete, you’re not going to be competent in certain aspects of movement,” Macaluso said. “Anyone can have a healthy lifestyle.”
See Ontario Physical Literacy Summit for more information about the summit.
Ontario Physical Literacy Summit organizers Helen Downey (left), John Madalena and Sonia Macaluso are expecting more than 200 participants at their 15 annual event Oct. 20 at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School. Photo by Mark Newman/Metroland