Programmes: SSISA Kids Club

The percentage of children who are overweight has more than doubled over the past 30 years. Although many factors are contributing to this epidemic, kids are definitely becoming more sedentary. In other words, they're sitting around a lot more than they used to. Parents need to ensure that their children are getting enough exercise and promote physical activity in as many ways as possible.

The Sports Science Institute of South Africa identifies this and as a result runs a programme specific to children. The SSISA Club kid's programme is based on getting kids to exercise in a safe environment while having fun.

The programme caters for children in two separate age categories, 7-11 and 12 -15 year olds. Classes are 'run' Monday to Thursday from 16h00 - 17h00 throughout the school term. These sessions are structured to get maximum benefit from the training hour and include all aspects of fitness, e.g.:

• cardiovascular training
• co-ordination
• agility
• spatial awareness
• sports skills development - no specific sports, but more general skills
• such as:
• throwing
• kicking
• catching
• communication
• teamwork
• etc.

The general basics of sports.

These sessions are delivered by qualified fitness instructors and biokinetisist.

The sessions aim to be non-competitive and inclusive, catering for kids with different levels of fitness and ability. Throughout the session, opportunities arise in which teamwork and communication skills are developed amongst the kids. The sessions are purposefully structured to promote interaction and will always include games which allow them to have maximum fun and experience most components of exercise and teamwork, without them actually realizing it.

The programme is run throughout the year and the kids can enroll for either a school term (3 months) or the full year.

Periodically the programme enlists the SSISA Dietician and/or Psychologist to present a workshop to the parents, on the latest information regarding children and exercise, nutrition and mental health. This offers a truly unique and empowering experience for any child!

For more information, please contact the Institute on (021) 659 5600 or info@ssisa.com