Why Children and Families Need to PLAY

• Families that play together stay together.
• Being physically active contributes to healthy child development.
• Recreation provides secure after-school activities for latch-key children.
• Regular involvement in recreation reduces self-destructive behaviour such as
• vandalism and criminal activity in youth by providing positive choices.
• Recreation and fitness activities build self-esteem and a positive self image.
• Community recreation opportunities reduce alienation, loneliness and antisocial behaviour.
• Recreation provides opportunity to develop personal skills.
• Being physically active helps children have a full and meaningful life.
• Regular play and physical activity reduces the likelihood of child obesity and related diseases such as diabetes.
• Children deserve the chance to have fun!