National PHE Canada Conference

    "A Harbour of Hope." That was the slogan provided for the National PHE
Canada conference the other weekend in Halifax, NS. This conference was
unique in that it was surrounded by positivity, despite recent budget cuts
in the Ontario and Nova Scotia school boards. The conference also led the
way in professional development. University professors such as Peggy Gallant
of the Human Kinetics Department from St.FX University and members of the
Canadian Sport for Life Committee (which has been taking our children and
youth by storm with models to guide them through to healthy adulthood)
shared the podium.
     The conference provided opportunities for self growth as I was able to
connect with professors from the University of Saskatchewan, teachers from
Ontario, personal trainers from Montreal and even former classmates who are
now full time physical educators. Through conversation and volunteering at
this conference I began to share the vision of PHE Canada. Or should I say,
I realized I had been sharing the vision of PHE Canada. Their vision is to
empower children and youth to be both educated and physically active for a
healthier lifestyle while building and challenging all students for a
better, healthier tomorrow. This vision is something I share as well.
    Through my profession as a PE teacher, personal trainer, fitness instructor,
coach and lifeguard, I see many problems associated with children and youth
today. Whether it be a lack of respect for adults and the law, a lack of
respect for their individual health and wellness or the fact that reading is
not high on their list of priorities because they are too busy dealing with
cyber bullying. These are all issues the incoming and current generations of
young people are facing.
     In talking with other knowledgable individuals, it was both easy and awesome
to converse with them. It was a weekend symposium consisting of many "take
away" and "teachable moments" between like minded individuals
    The main mission among all of the exhibit stations, information sessions and
keynote addresses was clear. Children and youth need to move more, make
better food portion and selections daily and WE as educators must lead the
way by example. A leader must live what he/she speaks in order for others to
listen. Physical Education is not exempt from this. Our "Harbour of Hope"
was that on the shores of the east coast we could all become rejuvenated,
reinvented and reminded of the role we play, the power of influence we have
to change youngsters and of the important role we have each day as we
interact with our students. We are the resources for preventative health
care and if we cannot direct our students down the right paths of success &
health sustainability, we have not fulfilled our requirement as Physical
Educators.
     Ultimately, the National PHE Conference was a success, bringing together a
wealth of thinking, resources and facilities designed to help shape a better
tomorrow. I encourage each of you to check out PHE Canada's website
[http://www.phecanada.ca/] and explore the possibilities we as members of this
association are providing.

Ryan Fahey
B.A Human Kinetics
CPTN Canada
Canfitpro FIS, PTS
NCCP