For the second year in a row, the students of Diamond Vale Elementary School have been recognized for their excellence when it comes to making choices and leading healthy, active lives.
Diamond Vale finished first in the province of B.C. in the Winter Challenge — a nation-wide program run by the 60 Minutes Kids’ Club that helps and supports youngsters, ages 5 to 12, with their decision-making skills when it comes to physical activities, nutrition and use of leisure time.
There are three month-long challenges held each school year. Last year, Diamond Vale was not only a winner of one of the challenges, but was also the overall provincial champion at the end of the school year.
All five Merritt elementary schools took part in this latest challenge, which ran from February 1 to March 1. Collettville finished 10th, Central 11th, Bench 13th and Nicola-Canford 15th.
Nationally, Diamond Vale placed eighth out of 84 participating schools.
The aim of the 60 Minutes Kids’ Club is to empower children and their familires with the knowledge and skills to live a healthy and active lifestyle. The program engages kids through an online, interactive medium with goal setting, accountability and fun incentives.
At the heart of the 60MKC program are the 5-2-1-0 guidelines:
• Enjoy five or more vegetables or fruits every day.
• Power down to no more than two hours of screen time a day.
• Play actively at least one hour a day.
• Choose healthy by consuming zero sugar or sweetened drinks.
This foundation of physical fitness and healthy nutrition will assist in enhancing children’s quality of life, as research shows that people who are active and eat healthy decrease their risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.
