Write way for kids to exercise

This article has been reprinted with the permission of Pilbara News.

Booklets to inspire children in the Pilbara and other remote communities to exercise have been created by a 21-year-old university student.

Renee Nguyen, a psychology student at the University of Western Australia, was taking part in an internship with Fair Game through the McCusker Centre for Citizenship during the coronavirus pandemic.

With intraregional travel blocked at the time, Ms Nguyen and Fair Game were unable to travel to the Pilbara, so she used her internship to create booklets for remote primary-aged children to keep active and healthy.

The booklets include games and challenges children could play using sporting equipment donated by Fair Game and advice on healthy eating, taking care of your body, and mindfulness.

“We have loved working with the McCusker Centre for Citizenship over the years and the skills the interns bring to our small organisation are ones we just don’t have within our small team.”

Fair Game chief executive Nicki Bardwell

“Hopefully, with this activity book, Fair Game’s mission and objectives can be achieved year-round, under all circumstances,” she said. “Being able to learn from and be mentored by people dedicated to improving the wellbeing of communities facing disadvantage is incredibly inspiring and motivating, pushing the idea of pursuing a full-time career in the non-profit sector.”

Fair Game chief executive Nicki Bardwell said Ms Nguyen’s booklets would become an essential resource.

“It turns out Renee is quite the artist so she actually drew some amazing little characters for the booklets,” she said. “She also included some other fun activities focused around health promotion reflecting our holistic approach combining sport and health.

“We have loved working with the McCusker Centre for Citizenship over the years and the skills the interns bring to our small organisation are ones we just don’t have within our small team.”