Media Release

For Release November 3, 2011

Near North Schools Selected to Pilot Student Leadership Workshops

Physical and Health Education Canada, with funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport, has selected five Near North schools of 30 Ontario schools to pilot test the Leading the Way student leadership workshops. Facilitators from Physical and Health Education Canada will be working with students at each school to aid in developing their leadership skills, as well as creating and helping to implement an intramural program. Schools selected to pilot the workshops are: Phelps Central School, Redbridge William Beatty Public School, Parry Sound F.J. McElligott Secondary School, Mattawa Parry Sound High School, Parry Sound Widdifield Secondary School, North Bay The student leadership workshops encourage young people to learn how to successfully plan, organize and implement their own physical activity initiatives. By providing the appropriate training and tools, youth can develop the skills to become independent, positive leaders who are able to lead programs with minimal assistance from adult facilitators. There is a focus on increasing youth empowerment and leadership while providing a vehicle for enhancing physical activity and healthy living in youth.

- 30 For further information please contact: Jodie Nychuk, Elementary Program Coordinator, (705) 472-8170; 1-800-278-4922, extension 5067

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