Greater Victoria is about to head back to school, and PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Education) is hoping to make class a little more active this year. This fall PISE has launched a new fundraising campaign aiming to raise $150,000 by December. They hope to direct the funds towards expanding access to inclusive, high-quality physical activity for schoolchildren. “Our school programs give thousands of students more opportunities to move, learn and grow,” said Chris Wright, Manager of Physical Literacy Development at PISE. “Developing physical literacy is foundational, as children gain the motivation they need to be active for life.” PISE is a local not-for-profit, partnering with schools to help students lead active healthy lives. Last year PISE connected with 10,000 children and youth through school programs and camps, this year they'll aim to support 5,000 more through programming for 500 Indigenous students through partnerships with school districts and Indigenous organizations such as the Songhees Nation and WSANEC Leadership Secondary School. So far PISE says the response from parents and educators to their programming has been positive. “PISE’s lessons are well-structured, inclusive and help inspire confidence in all our students,” said Luke Forand, a physical and health education teacher at George Jay Elementary. “I appreciated the commitment to instilling teamwork, communication, creativity and sportsmanship, qualities that will benefit our students beyond the gym.” PISE has impacted many youth through their programming in the past including 23-year-old Wally Trotter, who attended summer inclusive camps and school programs run by the organization. Trotter was able to secure his first job at PISE's fitness centre in Grade 12 through the job journey program. “For the past five and a half years, he has brought positive energy and is an enthusiastic employee who is well supported in his employment in both the fitness centre, and as part of the physical literacy program [as a leader] in after-school care and spring break and summer camps,” said his mother, Wendy Trotter. “These experiences have built his self-confidence and leadership skills. PISE has been a vital part of his development, and we are grateful for their ongoing support.” PISE's hope is that with donor support, more of these programs can be brought to school and ensure every child is seen, supported and inspired to move.
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