New DVD urges pupils to choose a healthy life - 11/12/06
First Minister Rhodri Morgan, Wales rugby star Gethin Jenkins
and Health Challenge Wales nutritionist Matt Silva have teamed up
to launch a Health Challenge Wales DVD, urging children to choose a
healthy lifestyle.
The launch, at St Cyres Comprehensive School in Penarth
recently, saw a selection of pupils watch the 'Chips or Champs'
DVD, before posing questions to their special guests.
The DVD highlights the message that healthy choices are
important for everyone, not just elite athletes, and will be
distributed to local schools. It features six themed clips of Welsh
Rugby Union players including Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones and Duncan
Jones demonstrating the ‘wrongs and rights’ of daily living. The
DVD also shows the importance of not skipping breakfast and opting
for the stairs rather than taking the easier option of stepping
into a lift when out and about!
St Cyres pupils questioned Rhodri Morgan about his exercise and
eating regime. He advised that although he had to give up running
aged 62 due to injury, he walks two miles with his dog each day. He
makes sure that he tackles at least one steep hill en route, and
encourages: “When being active, become out of puff – you need to
get your heart and lungs working.”
The First Minister, in his question and answer session with the
young audience, also spoke about a basic principle of success for
youngsters who take their sports more seriously, saying: “Athletes
should aim to make this year's peak next year's plateau and should
strive to ‘step up’ and achieve a 5% increase in performance each
season”.
Matt Silva, who is also the Vale of Glamorgan Council's rugby
development officer, was delighted that Welsh rugby internationals
have got involved to raise the profile of healthy eating and
physical activity. He said: “The video is quirky, light-hearted but
offers a very serious message targeting a key age group. If pupils
across the Vale can take away inspiration from their heroes and
improve their overall health this initiative will be a great
success.”
To find out more on rugby development in the Vale of Glamorgan
call Matt Silva on 01446 704603. Alternatively, for details about
general sports development opportunities in the Vale, call Karen
Davies, sports, arts and play development manager, on 01446
704614.