Building a healthier generation of more active Australians is the aim of a new group created as part of the nation’s first co-designed Sport Participation Strategy – Play Well.
Launched by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), the Physical Literacy Coalition is made up of experts from the sport, education, health and government sectors and met for the first time in Melbourne last week.
Led by Chair Jamie Bradnam, who is also Director of the ASC’s Sporting Schools program, the Coalition is tasked with ensuring physical literacy – building the skills to help us lead active lives - is a core component of every child’s development and education.
“We’ve got a great group of industry experts on board who bring a passion for developing physical literacy and who are keen to promote the many benefits it brings such as physical skills, motivation and the social skills to be active with others,” he said.
The group will help drive the ASC’s physical literacy initiatives including digital tools to measure physical literacy, explore new partnerships to promote physical literacy and develop an annual action plan.
Coalition member and Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook said physical literacy and developing a positive attitude towards physical activity from a young age was vital.
“This early exposure helps establish healthy habits, improves academic performance through enhanced focus and behaviour, and promotes social and emotional well-being,” she said.
“By embedding physical literacy into education, we not only nurture healthier individuals but also cultivate a more dynamic, engaged, and resilient community.
University of Canberra Professorial Fellow Dick Telford added: “We are living in a unique period of human history where physical activity is no longer an obligatory part of daily life.
“Now that we fully understand the vital contribution of physical activity to the health of both mind and body, the importance of an active lifestyle through the lifespan is more evident than ever.
“Given that a physically literate person is more likely to seek out and enjoy physical activity, we have a responsibility to promote it and the earlier the better.”
The ASC Physical Literacy Coalition is a priority activity listed in the Play Well Implementation Plan which details projects that are scheduled to be completed this financial year.
Physical Literacy Coalition
- Jamie Bradnam (Chair), Director Sporting Schools, Australian Sports Commission
- Professor Lisa Barnett, Professor in Physical Activity and Health, Deakin University
- Fiona Campbell, Physical Literacy and Sport Education Leader, School of Sport Education NT
- Pierre Comis, CEO, Special Olympics Australia
- Sarah Cook, CEO, Rowing Australia
- Dr Mitch Hewitt, National Youth Programs Manager, Tennis Australia
- Paul Mugambwa, CEO Stephen Michael Foundation
- Matthew Ryan, Relieving Curriculum Specialist, Health and Physical Education, Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)
- Professor Dick Telford, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
- Tiani Van Haren, Executive Director, Partnerships, Strategy and Development within Sport and Recreation at the Queensland Department of Tourism and Sport
