A two-day Physical Literacy workshop came to a successful conclusion on September 28. The interactive seminar organized by the BVI Olympic Committee and conducted by Drew Mitchell, Director of Physical Literacy for the Sport for Life Society in Canada, was the third session in a campaign which looks at “the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.” – The International Physical Literacy Association, May 2014.

In attendance were representatives from the Ministry of Health & Social Development (elderly caregivers, nurses, social workers), Ministry of Education & Culture (Day Care Center and Pre-School teachers and managers, Physical Education teachers, prison officers, Liaison officers for healthy schools) and Sport Federations.

“From information gathered from the evaluation submitted by the participants, there is a clamor for national legislation that will govern Physical Literacy from the Day Care to the senior level,” said Ms Angeleta Bernard, event coordinator. “As a result of this session, 7 new projects have emerged which will be rolled out as and when the details and logistics are completed.”

“Much has been learned at this workshop,” said attendee Ms. Yonette Adams Wintz, Director, New Life Learning Centre. “We focused on the development of the whole child which includes health and fitness. It would be excellent to see national policies on health and fitness put in place and implemented to benefit everyone in the community, starting from early childhood to old age. We need to see action since a healthy community builds a healthy nation/ territory. However, we will need support from the entire community if the resulting projects are to get off the ground and succeed.”

Recommendations by participants included that Physical Education should be taught at least three times per week, monitored free play should be an integral part of Day Care and pre-School routines, each school should have a PE teacher, and that PE teachers should assist in day care centers when and where possible.

Certificates were awarded to the participants who commended both the presenter, Mr. Mitchell and the BVIOC for introducing Physical Literacy to the nation.

The fourth workshop on periodization of sport training will be held in February 2017. Interested parties should contact the BVI Olympic Committee on 494 6920 for more information and to reserve their space.

The first session took place in February and covered the key factors pertinent to athlete development and the 5 basic ‘S’s of training and performance – Stamina (Endurance), Strength, Speed, Skill, and Suppleness (Flexibility).

The second session, which took place in May, focused on discussing the project outlines in the areas of Sport, Health and Education that followed on from the first workshop.

The Physical Literacy Workshops are supported by the Sport for Life Society of Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health.

Photo Gallery