By Emily Chapman Laing
A new program is providing Casey kids with fun ways to get active.
Triathlon Victoria, in conjunction with Casey Cardinia Triathlon Squad, has commenced a six-week fully funded program for children 7 – 12 years of age.
Nadelle Legge Victorian State Services Officer, Triathlon Australia says the program is about developing key physical skills in today’s screen-based world.
“A lot of kids don’t get out like they used to, so they’re missing out on developing these key skills,“ Mrs Legge said.
“It’s not about getting them to do a triathlon at the end of it, it’s about getting them moving.
“It’s about confidence.“
For six weeks the kids are participating in sessions based around swimming, biking and running with the aim to get them moving, improve their functional skills and make new friends.
The program is called Mov3 and this is the first time it has been delivered in Victoria.
Mov3 has been rolled out in the Northern Territory and Queensland, and is now finding its foothold in the Casey community.
With only 25 spaces, the program sold out quickly.
Mrs Legge says they have a waiting list of eager participants holding out for the next time Mov3 runs.
Sessions run at both Casey Fields Athletics Track and Casey RACE, who are offering their spaces free of charge.
Mov3 Coach Charlie Pragnell says the kids have been having lots of fun.
“It’s about teamwork and we’re all working together to have fun,“ he said.
“It’s good to see them grow and develop, to be part of the future and to shape it.“
Mov3 is based around the Sport Australia Physical Literacy Framework.
Activities focus on developing fundamental motor skills that can be transferable to a range of sports.
Participants improve their balance and agility by jumping on two wheels and cycling around a designated course, while enhancing confidence in the water at Casey RACE.
