Active RVA Announces New Certification and Awards Program Updates for 2017
RICHMOND, VA – Active RVA, a program of Sports Backers, today announced the addition of Early Childhood Education to the certification areas for the Active RVA Awards. The Active RVA Awards are scheduled for their new date on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at 5:00pm at the Omni Richmond Hotel. The Active RVA Certification and Awards program highlights and recognizes organizations throughout the Richmond region that create a culture of daily physical activity and encourage active lifestyles.
Along with the Active RVA certifications for schools and workplaces, Active RVA will now recognize early childcare providers as Active RVA Certified if they pass criteria that demonstrates their commitment to physical activity for children ages 0-5. The criteria for the Early Childhood Education Certification was developed by Active RVA with a team of early childhood experts from the Richmond region, including the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, Virginia Infant and Toddler Specialist Network, Smart Beginnings, Child Savers, the City of Richmond Department of Social Services, and the Ready to Learn Program of the Community Idea Stations.
“With inactivity playing a key role in the development of chronic disease and other health risks, this new Active RVA certification will help preschool children develop healthy physical activity habits that can last a lifetime,” said Jeff McIntyre, Director of Active RVA for Sports Backers. “Important factors include active play for preschoolers and toddlers, short periods of tummy time for babies, access to free play, and written policies on physical activity.”
During the 2016 awards ceremony, 99 schools and 68 companies received Active RVA Certification for their efforts to encourage daily physical activity. Also recognized were the Active RVA Changemaker of the Year and Infrastructure Awards, honors that will once again be presented during the 2017 program. More information about the Active RVA Awards will be released in 2017 at www.activerva.org.
Applications for Active RVA Certification for schools, workplaces, and early childcare education providers are now available. Organizations can apply at the following links:
Active RVA Workplace – http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1608787/Active-RVA-Fit-Company
Active RVA School – http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1627157/Active-RVA-Fit-School
Active RVA Early Childhood Education – http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3212370/Active-RVA-ECE
Also that week in Richmond, the inaugural Movement Makers: The National Active Living Summit will take place from May 17-19 and Dominion Riverrock, the nation’s premier outdoor sports and music festival, will be held from May 19-21 at Brown’s Island and Historic Tredegar.
At home, at work, at play—everyone is encouraged to join the movement!
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