Jonty and his love of sport

Jonty started Active Families in October 2009 and Graduated in August 2010. Since leaving Active Families, Jonty has become more motivated and confident in everything he does. He has just finished his season of rugby, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Jonty’s eating habits are slowly changing, with plenty of fruits and veggies added to his diet and the odd treat when he has earned it. Jonty’s family is behind him every step of they way... More

Active Families (AFs) Flag Team

Active Families entered a flag team in a local competition organised by Porirua City Flag to further reinforce the logic of the program of introducing our kids to organised sporting activity.

The “AFs” are competing in the under 9 division have won 2 lost two so far. Competition will break up during the Christmas/new year period with a completion date of Feb 25th 2012.  More

Smiles all round at Ki-o-Rahi Poneke festival

On Saturday 1 October Wellington held its first ever Ki-o-Rahi Poneke festival. More

The highlight of the day was all the kids that participated in the game, with many past and present Active Families kids participating!

The theme of the day was manaakitanga and the Active Families game was a great example of how much respect there was for everyone’s cultures, beliefs and actions.

Mya takes on the world...

Mya began taking part in Active Families last year and since then Mya has become more confident and willing to try new things.

Through Active Families, Mya has had the chance to be involved in Round the Bays, The 5km Heart Foundation Walk and The Magic Mile. She loved doing them all. More

Porirua Active Families Leaders

Akilah, Waimirirangi, John and Hemi – along with their families, recently graduated after 12 months on the Active Families Programme.

Instead of leaving, they were brought back this term as Active Family Leaders. More

Active Families sword fighting session a bit hit

Recently we were lucky enough to have guest instructors come along to our session and teach us about sword fighting. Junior Commonwealth Bronze medallist William Bishop and Wellington Swords head coach Vicci Lamb put us through our paces during the session to teach us the basics of fencing. The session was so much fun and we all loved practicing against each other! Check out some of the awesome photos on the Fencing Central website.

Active Families Success Story.

‘J’ joined the Active Families programme at the beginning of term four 2010. A referral from the family GP had been received some years beforehand, however the family did not engage in that instance.  The repeat referral which this time has come through from the school nurse has proved fruitful.  ‘J’ has been diagnosed with ‘Prader Willi’ Syndrome, which is a rare genetic disorder. It is frequently associated with an extreme and insatiable appetite, often resulting in morbid obesity.

At only six years of age, he came to the activity sessions very shy, although willing to participate with mum. It was very apparent his shyness was more ingrained than the other new children experiencing their first activity session. Existing participating families became very supportive of ‘J’s’ efforts and often allowed him the lime light at activity sessions in order for him to get a taste of success.

Often during the indoor activity sessions back ground music is played. On one particular session early in the term, Michael Jackson was the music playing, of which turned out to be “J’s’ favourite artist.  The following week he turned up in his favourite Michael Jackson t-shirt.  As the weeks have progressed, his participation and activity during these sessions has increased along with his willingness to assist in setting and packing away equipment.  It has also been great to hear that he is continually pestering his parents as to when the next session is, which is a success story in itself.

However ‘J’ has also added to this improved body composition results.  In his first three months on the programme he has decreased his BMI by 1.8 points, which has come about by a decrease in his weight of 3.2kg.  This is a large change for a child who is still growing, and all in spite of his medical condition.  Hopefully this new healthy path that is more beneficial for him and his family will be maintained during their time on the Active Family program, and once they graduated.

Credit must always go back to the parents as they need to buy in to the programme for their children to engage and benefit from their involvement.  We look forward to their continued participation after such an exceptional start.

Active achievements in the rain!

The Active Families Kids ‘2010 Kids Magic Mile’

The rain and cold conditions did not put off participants from the Active Families programme completing the Kids Magic Mile on Sunday 27^th June 2010.  Despite all the kids and their supportive parents being soaked before they even crossed the start line they still all managed to have fun and enjoy the event.

The Kids Magic Mile is part of the Wellington Marathon Clinic Harbour Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km day.  The kids event attracted 320 entries from the Wellington region who ranged from competitive runners to kids getting out and having some fun.  With participants’ ages ranging from 5 – 12 years, this makes it a great event that caters for all levels of runners.

 One of the highlights of the event is the medals that are awarded to every child who crosses the finish line by stair climbing World Champion Melissa Moon.  Melissa is a great role model for all the kids who enter the event and is always keen to meet with them, give handshakes and words of encouragement for their supreme effort.

The Active Families programme entered 18 children with 12 completing the course, ably supported by their families throughout the event.

Another highlight was that several of the Active Families children were able to improve on their previous time for completing a mile which was a fantastic achievement.  One child was even able to decrease her time by four and a half minutes which was a top effort!

The Active Families programme is an initiative funded by the Ministry of Health and run by Sport Wellington.  If you would like more information about the programme or how to get involved call 04 389 0219 or email activefamilies@sportwellington.org.nz