About Physical Literacy
About Physical Literacy
Definition
Physical literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical, competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.
Goal of the Physical Literacy Initiative
Every child in Richmond from two to 12 years old will have the opportunity to develop both physical literacy and games literacy.
Physical Literacy Myth
Not all children will automatically become physically literate and acquire the skills needed to participate in a variety of games and sports. Although, some children will seek out and develop some of their skills on their own from the opportunities provided to them, many are not provided those same opportunities, most likely resulting in stopping their physical activities when they are no longer able to keep up.
Fundamental Movement Skills
These basic movement skills are taught through games and activities that engage and motivate children to continue in an activity. While these basic skills are fun in nature, they also serve the purpose of teaching the essential skills required as a foundation for more complex physical activities and sports. It is important that all children develop a good base of these skills before puberty to optimize both future performance and lifelong activity. The City of Richmond is currently promoting 25 Fundamental Movement Skills, which children can learn, develop and practice at City facilities and in the community.
Throughout the Guide, look for the Physical Literacy logo next to the programs that cover a minimum of one of the promoted 25 Fundamental Movement Skills and includes a warm up activity with Physical Literacy elements.
Richmond Sport for Life Strategy
The Richmond Sport for Life Strategy mandates a new direction in the goals and visions of Richmond’s community-based activity programs. The vision of the strategy is: “All Richmond residents have access to a full range of opportunities to experience the passion and joy of participating in sport and physical activity.” It envisions the community of Richmond as a Sport For Life model for Canada and the world. “Every individual in Richmond, regardless of age, will be physically literate and have the fundamental movement and sport performance skills to enjoy sport and physical activity to the best of their ability.”
In order to achieve these goals, the Richmond Sport for Life Strategy is built upon the philosophy and framework of the Canadian Sport for Life Long Team Athlete Development (LTAD) model.
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Live 5-2-1-0 Playbox
Live 5-2-1-0 Playboxes offer parents and caregivers new ideas on how to play with their kids supplying the necessary games and sports equipment and providing unlimited access and opportunity for families to get outdoors and engage with other families through active play. Playboxes help to enhance environments and remove some of the barriers to access for active outdoor play, as well as foster social connectedness. Check out the Live 5-2-1-0 webpage for more information and where to find the playboxes.
Learn More!
Need more information or just want to learn more about Physical Literacy? Check out the list of informative links below.
City of Richmond Resources
City of Richmond Physical Literacy Fact Sheet
Demystifying the Sport for Life Strategy
Physical Literacy Aquatics Diagram
Physical Literacy Arenas Diagram
Physical Literacy Skills Diagram
Physical Literacy Street Team Video
Helpful Resources
Richmond Olympic Oval
ParticiPACTION
OPHEA Youtube videos on Physical Literacy
Canadian Sport for Life
Healthy Opportunities for Preschoolers
Canadian Physical Activities Guidelines
Active Schools BC
Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute
PHE Canada
Active for Life
FREE APP for Active Kids
