GSC helps keep kids active during lockdown

Guernsey Sports Commission staff have been busy during the first weeks of lockdown creating more fun games and videos to help kids keep active during lockdown.

‘We know it can be difficult to keep children and young people motivated when they are stuck at home, especially when the weather is bad,’ said Dave Harfield, one of the Sports Commission’s team of PE and Sport Development Officers.

‘We have been working on introducing Fundamental Movement Skills to children in our primary schools and we’ve developed some fun games to help them practice these skills at home and keep active at the same time.’

Fundamental Movement Skills can be grouped into three categories – Locomotion, Object Control & Manipulation, and Stabilisation.

Examples of Locomotion include running, hopping, jumping and skipping.

Object Control includes kicking, throwing, catching, pushing and pulling.

Balancing, stretching, landing, turning and twisting are all examples of Stabilisation.

‘Children should be familiar with these fundamental movement skills but the games we have put together are mainly about having fun, although we have linked them to some of these fundamental skills,’ explained Dave.

The videos, which can be accessed via the Commission’s YouTube channel, form part of the PE at Home online resources launched during the first lockdown.

‘We’ve been busy creating loads of new videos so there are plenty of new games to try and you don’t need any specific equipment, most of the games can be played using some rolled up socks,' said Dave.

‘These are fun inclusive games that anyone can play either on their own challenging themselves to get better, or with other members of their household. And with this week’s On Your Marks Holiday Club cancelled because of lockdown, it’s a great time to give these games a go.

‘We’ve also put together a video explaining the Fundamental Movement Skills for anyone that wants to understand more.

‘Half term is the ideal time to check out the videos and try some of the games. We’re adding more videos all the time so there should be something for everyone.’