Olympics 2020 –  The Olympics reminds us that a truly well-rounded education includes physical education. Many talented athletes get their start at school. Their love for sports often starts with our encouragement and inspiration as educators and parents. 

This is why…

Michael Phelps (the greatest swimmer to ever dive into a pool) started training at the age of seven and the sport helped control his ADHD. LeBron James started out playing football at eight years old and then quickly turned to basketball at the age of nine. Serena Williams was only three when she strarted training with her older sister Venus and their father. Serena was ranked No.1 player in the Junior US Tennis Association in the 10 years and under division. Simone Biles, began her training as a gymnast at the age of six. Christiano Ronaldo was introduced to soccer at the age of eight. Roger Federer began playing at the age of eight and by the age of eleven was ranked one of the top junior players in Switzerland. Leo Messi began at eight years old and by seven was the youngest player to score a goal in a major league.

and therefore…

My purpose of Physical Education is to nurture this love of moving through exposure to a variety of activities and equipment to trigger a stimulus for lifelong movement and possible future Olympians. P.E is a safe space to exert ourselves, laugh, sweat, work together as team, experience success and most importantly have fun.

In support of movement, the department of health specifies that:

For optimal health benefits, children and young people (aged 5–17 years) should achieve the recommended balance of high levels of physical activity, low levels of sedentary behaviour, and sufficient sleep each day. Physical activity includes:

• Accumulating 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day involving mainly aerobic activities.
• Activities that are vigorous, as well as those that strengthen muscle and bone should be incorporated at least 3 days per week.

Every fortnight I will update this P.E blog to share our fun movement journey in creation of our Ripponlea Olympians.

“I can accept failure, but I can’t accept not trying” Michael Jordan.