Queensland children are being encouraged to spend more time playing outdoors with a new ‘passport to play’ launched today. Minister for Education and the Commonwealth Games Kate Jones unveiled the Nature Play QLD Embracing 2018 Passport at the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens.
Ms. Jones said the special Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games-themed passport would help bring the excitement of the Games into the backyards of children.
“We hope that one of the lasting legacies of GC2018 is a healthier, more active Queensland,” Ms. Jones commented “That’s why we have partnered with the Australian Government and Nature Play QLD to support their efforts to encourage kids to get out and active.”
Ms. Jones explained that Nature Play QLD’s mission is to increase the time children spend in unstructured play outdoors and in nature. We know how important it is for children to be physically active and spend at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. By partnering with Nature Play QLD, the Embracing 2018 Legacy Program will support this goal, motivating Queensland kids to get active through the excitement of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Jones also added that the program would challenge kids to undertake place-based missions, in addition to creating their own exciting weekend adventures. Nature Play missions provide kids with a starting point for outdoor play, allowing their imaginations and problem-solving to do the rest.
Federal Minister for Health and Sport Greg Hunt said the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games-themed passports had been designed to inspire young Australians to become healthier and happier through being active.
“The passports aim to increase participation through outdoor activity and adventure. It’s about kids playing outside,” Mr. Hunt commented “The Federal Government is committed to providing Australians opportunities to develop healthy lifelong habits. We are proud to play a role in these Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games legacy programs for not only Queenslanders, but for all Australians.”
“I am excited this new partnership will inspire more children to reconnect with nature through independent outdoor play.” Nature Play QLD’s Dom Courtney commented “The Nature Play QLD Embracing 2018 Passport is not only fun, but it provides children with the incentives and a strong sense of accomplishment by completing missions as they grow, play and learn in nature.”