API calls for government action on play and childhood obesity
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 4th July 2011
The API has launched a report aimed at government and the play sector which calls for more government action to encourage play, physical activity and tackle the growing obesity crisis.
Backed by former Children’s Commissioner, Sir Aynsley-Green, the report draws on testimonials from several key organisations, including KIDS, Greenspace and London Play, to give a voice to the play sector at a time of crisis for children’s health.
The report also warns of the growing rise of Play Gaps, areas of deprivation and poverty where children have no safe and easy access to playspaces. This is a vital issue as urban deprivation is often cited as one of the primary contributors towards rising levels of childhood obesity.
Sir Aynsley-Green said: “At a time of severe financial constraint, it is tempting for national and local government to see play as a low priority. It is vital that there is effective political advocacy for the needs of children to have access to play facilities, and for this reason I applaud and commend the API for its important evidence-based report on the current state of play provision. I support unreservedly the call for: ‘A strategic commitment from the UK government to support and encourage active play in future public health strategies’.”
John Croasdale. Chairman of the API, said: “Children’s play is at risk of becoming a forgotten sector. While the government has adopted much of the language in support of play, there is still no national play strategy or new policies to support this commitment. Freedom of speech on the child’s right to play is important, but it will only take us so far –action is needed to make sure all children have access to playspaces.”
Hard copies are available [click here] enter 'Summary' or 'State Play Report' in the subject box.
Dowload Summary [click here]
Download State of Play Report [click here]
Editors Notes:
The Association of Play Industries (API) is the leading trade body within the play sector, representing the interests of the manufacturers, installers, designers and distributors of both outdoor and indoor play equipment and safer surfacing. Founded in 1984 it represents approximately 85% of the market with more than 80 members.
www.api-play.org
The API operates under the umbrella of the Federation of Sports and Play Associations (FSPA) the national trade body responsible for representing 18 Associations in the UK’s sport and play industries. www.sportsandplay.com
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