Champions for Life and Recess Guardians Join Forces

RECESS Champions is a groundbreaking leadership program that empowers children in grades 4, 5 & 6 to become ambassadors of physical activity and fair play during their school's recess periods. 

The Champions for Life Foundation and Recess Guardians are excited to announce their strategic partnership to empower future leaders in Canadian schools. The collaboration will introduce a groundbreaking program called RECESS Champions, designed to equip children and youth in grades 4,5 & 6 (ages nine and up) with the leadership skills to deliver impactful physical literacy experiences to their younger peers within their schools and communities. This new initiative seeks to instill confidence, foster a lifelong passion for physical activity and play, and promote healthier behaviours among children in their critical years of development.

In today's fast-paced world, children face increased stress and anxiety, escalating bullying incidents, and a concerning trend of sedentary behaviours and physical inactivity. Their challenges during recess often leave them feeling disheartened and unmotivated toward more active and healthy pursuits.

RECESS Champions focuses on empowering youth to discover their leadership potential and make a positive impact within their school and community. The program combines fun and practical elements to promote inclusion, fair play, and an enduring love for physical activity and play. Youth participants in RECESS Champions will discover their potential as leaders and gain the tools to create meaningful movement experiences for their younger counterparts. 

"Alarmingly, less than a third of elementary school children in Canada meet the daily recommended physical activity levels, and two-thirds are yet to develop basic physical literacy," said David Arsenault, Founder and Executive Director of the Champions for Life Foundation. "We believe every child deserves the chance to experience the benefits of physical activity and develop a lifelong love for movement. By partnering with Recess Guardians to develop RECESS Champions, we aim to create a memorable experience that encourages older school children and their younger peers to discover the joys of being active together." 

The RECESS Champions play a vital role in leading activities during recess by assisting with leading games, demonstrating skills, and organizing equipment. This program nurtures the students' fundamental movement, group management, and leadership skills.

"Leveraging our combined experience of over 20 years, Champions for Life and Recess Guardians have developed an innovative, engaging and effective program emphasizing inclusion and fair play during recess," said Mike McDonald, Founder and CEO of Recess Guardians. "It is proven that children who have at least 15 minutes of a [productive] recess a day are more on task and focused in class and behave more respectfully toward their peers."

Champions for Life and Recess Guardians firmly believe that the newly inspired RECESS Champions will play a crucial role in fostering physical literacy within their schools. With unwavering dedication and infectious passion, these young leaders will become catalysts for a generation of children who embrace healthier lifestyles, find joy in physical activity, and forge meaningful connections with their peers. Their efforts will empower individuals and strengthen the school community, creating a brighter future where physical literacy thrives and children lead fulfilling, active lives.

About the Champions for Life Foundation

About Recess Guardians

Recess Guardians is a dynamic Canadian charity dedicated to transforming school recess experiences. With a mission to promote active play, inclusivity, and positive social interactions, Recess Guardians works tirelessly to empower students during their break times. Their innovative programs and resources aim to create a nurturing and engaging recess environment that fosters physical activity, builds social skills, and enhances overall well-being. With a passionate team of educators, volunteers, and community partners, Recess Guardians provides valuable guidance and support to schools across Canada, helping them maximize the potential of recess as a time for growth, connection, and fun. To learn more about their impactful initiatives and access valuable resources, visit recessguardians.org. 

Media Contacts

David Arsenault

Founder & Executive Director

Champions for Life Foundation

d.arsenault@championsforlife.ca 

Cell: (514) 825-5934

Mike McDonald

Founder and CEO

Recess Guardians

mike@recessguardians.ca

Cell: (647) 394-6630