School kids a shoo-in for healthy online mission

• Published date: 04 November 2021
• Publication title: Katikati Advertiser

Fifty pupils at the primary school will join 20,000 tamariki participating in the 2021 Zespri Young and Healthy Virtual Adventure. Chiefs/Bay of Plenty Steamers rugby player Naitoa Ah Kuoi led Monday’s activities as the pupils tested out their new shoes.

Zespri’s Young and Healthy Virtual Adventure provides children in primary and intermediate schools an opportunity to discover the world virtually and embrace healthier lifestyles — even if they can’t get to school in person. It takes tamariki on a virtual trip around the globe, instilling healthy habits along the way like exercising, eating extra fruit and vegetables, drinking more water and reducing leisure time spent on screens.

Young and Healthy Trust founder Kim Harvey says this year has again been a really challenging period for parents with the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

“We’ve been determined to make sure we still deliver an amazing programme to provide kids and families with some much-needed fun and encouragement.

“Every year we see fantastic results with teachers, parents and the kids themselves telling us they have more energy, can focus better in class and feel better, so we really wanted to make it work.”

Classes taking part work as a team to travel across the world. Along the way they are met by sporting heroes — Asics Ambassadors Ardie Savea, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Kane Williamson and Samantha Charlton — who show them around and share interesting facts about local history and geography, as well as some of their personal health tips.

“The programme has been perfected for the digital generation with each child designing a unique avatar, which they’ll see interacting with their classmates and the sports stars at every stop.

“Better still, every real-world healthy choice — like moving their body, eating a piece of fruit or drinking water — comes with the instant reward of digital points to add to their class total.”

Participation is free thanks to partners...