Gals_08-44

Jeff Green | Nov 06, 2008

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The GALS (Girls Active Living and Sport) Conference - the Limestone District School Board’s one-day conference organized by girls, for girls - has been recognized by a provincial health and physical education association as an exemplary program. Recently, the Ontario Physical Health Education Association (OPHEA), honoured Loughborough Public School with the 2008 School Community Award, one of five awards handed out annually to deserving individuals and schools.

OPHEA presented its School Community Award to the young girls of Loughborough Public School for their demonstrated leadership and excellence in successfully bringing together all members of their community to enhance active, healthy living opportunities for children and youth.

The GALS conference was created by students from Loughborough Public School who wanted to address the growing concern of decreased involvement among girls in physical activity and sports at their school, and in their community. Led by two teachers, Erik Vreeken and Mark Sonneman, the one-day interactive conference was developed five years ago to reach, educate and motivate, young girls from across the Limestone District School Board. Since its inaugural conference, more than 2,000 young girls in grades 6 - 8 have participated in this one-day symposium. OPHEA states that the recipient of this award “...has utilized the strengths and resources of their community to successfully create an environment that encourages and supports active, healthy living for children and youth within the school community.”