Stories: Getting Students Active… and Relaxed

A number of researchers, including Dr. John Ratey, who linked physical activity to increased learning capacity in youth and Steptoe and Butler, who found that sports participation improved emotional wellbeing in adolescents, have touted the benefits of sport far beyond mere fitness.

These effects can be seen throughout Canada thanks to the Sogo Active grants, which allow teachers, mentors and community organizers to receive funding for a physical activity project for youth aged 13 to 19.

Diana Clarke, Physical and Health Education teacher at Gravenhurst High School, in Ontario, has witnessed psychological and behavioural benefits in her class since she began working with them in the fall of 2009. Clarke teaches 14 high school students with a variety of developmental challenges such as autism, learning disabilities, scoliosis, foetal alcohol syndrome and Down’s syndrome.

With the grant that she received through Sogo Active, Clarke bought pedometers for the students to wear during gym class, which takes place 75 minutes a day, five days a week. “It helps them to gage how much activity they are doing” she says. It is much harder for some of the students to measure their progress with methods such as heart rate monitoring.

Clarke also takes her students swimming and provides them with yoga instruction. “For many of them, the pressure and the buoyancy of the water are comforting. They may have tense home environments and this is a good way for them to relax.” She adds that yoga has also been a great stress reliever and has given them tools to be calmer, even outside of class.

“I am very grateful for the funding. Not only is it very helpful for them but I appreciate the activities too.”

A small grant can have a big impact. Find out more at www. sogoactive.com.

Posted by Eleonore Fournier-Tombs