Go4Fun - Sign up today to start the new school year right

Media ReleaseDate: Wednesday 16 JanuaryGo4Fun – Sign up today to start the new school year rightGo4Fun, a free after-school healthy lifestyle program for children is now open for registrations in the leadup to the first 2013 school term.The ten week program is open to children aged 7 to 13 who are above a healthy weight.Go4Fun runs across the school term with two sessions per week, teaching the benefits of healthy eatingand healthy lifestyles through games and activities.Mandy Williams, Acting Director of the South Western Sydney Local Health District Health PromotionService, said the program was delivered by trained health and fitness professionals.“Mums and dads concerned about the weight of their children are encouraged to enrol them in a free, funand engaging program that fosters healthier, fitter and happier lifestyles,” Ms Williams said.“It also allows children to participate in activities designed to improve self-confidence, self-esteem andphysical fitness and gives families skills and information to make healthier food choices.“Go4Fun has had great results, improving the long-term health of children through increased physicalactivity and better nutrition choices and a reduced BMI and waist circumference,” she said.Program highlights include:• Weekly games and activities• Fun, interactive discussions to teach easy and effective ways to improve children’s nutrition,physical activity and self-esteem• Practical games and tips about healthy foods, label reading and portion sizes• The chance to try delicious and healthy new foodsMs Williams said addressing rising rates of obesity in children was a critical step in the long-term healthof people living in south western Sydney.“Nearly one-in-four Australian school kids are now overweight or obese, which we know has a significantimpact on their long-term health,” said Ms Williams.“Go4Fun is now the largest pool of evidence internationally, on the positive impact of childhood obesityprevention programs,” she said.Go4Fun is run by South Western Sydney Local Health District Health Promotion Service in conjunctionwith the NSW Ministry of Health.To register for the free program call 1800 780 900, SMS a call back request to 0409 745 645or register online at www.mendcentral.org/go4fun. For more information call or email Leah Choi,leah.choi@sswahs.nsw.gov.au or 0457 507 606.Program details:Bankstown PCYC, Cnr Meredith St & French Ave Bankstown 2200, Mondays and Wednesdays 4.30pmto 6.30pm.cont…South Western Sydney Local Health District Media UnitTel 9828 6848 A/Hours 0417 697 079 Email swsmedia@sswahs.nsw.gov.au

Fairfield Leisure Centre, 44 Vine Street Fairfield, Tuesdays and Thursdays 4.30pm to 6.30pm.Aquafit Fitness and Leisure, Old Menangle Rd Campbelltown, Mondays and Thursdays 4pm to 6pm.Wran Leisure Centre, Gundaroo St Villawood, Tuesdays and Thursdays 4.30pm to 6.30pmLiverpool West Public School, 79 – 81 Hoxton Park Rd Liverpool, Mondays and Thursdays 4.30pm to6.30pm.Tahmoor Public School, Bronze Wing St Tahmoor, Tuesdays and Thursdays 3.45pm to 5.45pm.PAGE 2 OF 2