Exciting News: Champions for Life and Recess Guardians Now Stronger Together!
We’re thrilled to share a significant milestone for physical literacy and leadership in Canada! The Champions for Life Foundation and Recess Guardians, two organizations committed to promoting active, healthy lifestyles among young Canadians, officially join forces to amplify our impact nationwide.
A Legacy of Impactful School Programs
For 15 years, Recess Guardians has empowered students through a leadership-based approach to physical activity, promoting inclusion and fair play. Their program has reached over 1,000 schools across Western Canada and Ontario, helping students develop essential leadership skills while engaging in fun, structured activities.
Meanwhile, the Champions for Life Foundation has been at the forefront of delivering turnkey physical literacy programs and resources to over 900 schools, with a special focus on supporting children in vulnerable or under-resourced communities. Our programs, backed by expert technical assistance, have made learning movement skills accessible, engaging, and impactful.
A Stronger Partnership for Greater Impact
Last year, our partnership led to the successful co-creation and pilot of the Recess Champions Program in 30 schools, producing truly inspiring outcomes. The pilot proved the powerful impact of our combined expertise, setting the stage for even more remarkable achievements. Today, we’re thrilled to announce the consolidation of our initiatives and programs under the Champions for Life Foundation. We’re excited to welcome Kale Johnson as our Western Canada Programs Manager, where he will drive our strategic expansion in the Western region. Additionally, the founder of Recess Guardians, Mike McDonald, will join CFLF as a strategic advisor, contributing his extensive knowledge, experience, and leadership in the non-profit sector to propel our mission forward.
What’s New for Schools and Partners?
With our united resources, the Champions for Life Foundation will now offer four dynamic programs:
After-School Program
An engaging after-school program that helps children develop their fundamental movement skills through fun games and dynamic activities.
PE Teacher Resources
A collection of easy-to-use resources to bring physical literacy into the Physical Education curriculum in a structured and measurable way.
Little Champions
A series of interactive stories and adventures that introduce movement skills to children as part of their journey of engaging in a lifetime of physical activity.
RECESS Champions
A leadership program designed to empower students in grades 4, 5 and 6 to organize and facilitate dynamic physical activities during recess.
Ready to Make a Difference in Your School Community?
Our integrated programs are ready to support schools across Canada, and we’re here to help every step of the way. If you want to bring these transformative experiences to your school community, contact us at info@championsforlife.ca. Let’s collaborate to inspire confidence, foster physical literacy, and build leadership skills in children and youth nationwide.
Celebrating Our New Chapter Together
These programs will be available in English and French, serving communities from coast to coast to coast. By combining our strengths, we are better equipped to support teachers, engage students, and cultivate the next generation of leaders.
As we embark on this new chapter, we are grateful to the school communities, educators, and partners who support our mission. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of children. Let’s celebrate this exciting milestone and look forward to its incredible impact on tomorrow's leaders.
With gratitude and excitement,
David Arsenault
Founder and Executive Director
Champions for Life Foundation
Ready to reimagine recess?
Elevate Your School's Recess Experience with RECESS Champions.
Our program is immediately available to English schools across Canada, and we're currently piloting the program in 10 schools in the province of Québec. The program will be available to all Québec schools in English and French in 2024-25.
About the Champions for Life Foundation
The Champions for Life Foundation empowers children to move well and helps them build the skills, confidence and motivation to be active for a lifetime. We offer physical literacy programs, resources, and expert technical assistance to schools and communities, especially those in underserved areas. To learn more about how we develop healthy, active environments where children thrive, visit championsforlife.ca or find us @championsforlifefoundation on social media.
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
Cell: (647) 394-6630
