OT Fitness – a fantastic way to engage all kids no matter what their fitness level.
2.1 Trends
In today’s world of computers, tablets and smart phones, Ontario’s children are less active that they should be. Kids are overweight because they spend more time watching television and playing video games than they did in the past and more often than not, kids no longer walk or ride bikes to school; instead parents drop them off before heading to work. “Parents are loving their kids to death”.
Each year, Canadian school age children are getting a failing grade when it comes to their overall fitness level because Canadian kids are not getting enough physical activities to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Research has steadily shown that excessive screen time, busy households and lack of free play is breeding an unhealthy generation, with higher risks of diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other chronic conditions. Only 5% of Canadian children and youth are meeting the recommended guidelines of at least an hour a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity necessary to maintain health.
“If a young person is generally unfit now, then they are more likely to develop conditions like heart disease later in life,” said Grant Tomkinson, Ph.D., lead author of the study and senior lecturer in the University of South Australia’s School of Health Sciences.
“We can’t let this crisis of childhood inactivity and obesity persists. It can’t carry on like this because we know that childhood health issues become adult dysfunction” Chris Jones, CEO of Physical and health educational Canada
“Not only does exercise boost physical health, it’s also “the secret sauce” that can make kids smarter, happier and more self-confident,” said Dr Mike Evans, staff physician at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and a member of the coalition.
“If a young person is generally unfit now, then they are more likely to develop conditions like heart disease later in life,” Dr Tomkinson, a senior lecturer in the University of South Australia’s School of Health Sciences,
We have all seen the news and heard the statistics: each year Ontario’s school age children get a failing grade regarding their physical fitness and their fight against Obesity. Simply stated, “Ontario’s kids are not getting enough daily physical activities”.
Physical activity is essential for healthy growth and development. Regular physical activity in childhood develops cardiovascular fitness, strength and bone density. Physical activity also plays an important role in the health, well-being and quality of life of Canadians and helps to prevent chronic diseases like cancer, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. OT Fitness believes that establishing positive habits early in childhood and adolescence can last a lifetime.
Taking those statistics into consideration, it’s discouraging to note that 45% of elementary schools in Ontario do not have a certified physical educator on staff and children are only having physical activity classes for less than 45 minutes twice a week. Increasingly, we see the opportunities for physical activity like athletics programs and after school clubs having difficulty existing due to competing priorities for school funding. OT Fitness helps to address the problem by providing health and fitness programs to large numbers of students at their schools. We have established valuable working relationships with educators who acknowledge that our programs enrich the lives of their students, we have already delivered our programs to over 425,000 Ontario school age children, working in over 600 elementary, secondary schools and community centers in the GTA, east to Ottawa, west to Windsor and north to Sioux Lookout as well as in fly-in communities.
"I love the positivity of the program. And I like how it's integrated with social skills. There is so much inclusion in the program for special needs”. Shailly Gill Special Ed. Specialist, at Gulfstream P.S.
In the Ontario Ministry of Finance report “Ontario Population Projections Update” (Http://www.fin.gov.on.ca) the population of Ontario is projected to grow by 28.6 %, or almost 3.9 million, over the next 24 years, from an estimated 13.5 million on July 1, 2012 to almost 17.4 million by July 1, 2036. Of that population, the number of children aged 0–14 is projected to increase gradually over the projection period, from 2.2 million in 2012 to over 2.7 million by 2036.
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is projected to be the fastest growing region of the province, with its population increasing by 2.5 million, or 39.1%, to reach over 8.9 million by 2036. The GTA’s share of provincial population is projected to rise from 47.6% in 2012 to 51.5% in 2036. The GTA is expected to remain the region with the youngest age structure as a result of strong international migration and positive natural increases.
These statistics highlight the fact that the number of children in the age groups 0-14 is steadily increasing which suggest that opportunities to increase the client base is extremely strong and with increased exposure coupled with quality and sustainability, the company is well positioned to achieve its goals within the next 3 years.
Our goal is simple – to provide enjoyable programs that promote fitness and the benefits of an active healthy lifestyle to children and teens. Our activities are safe, fun, educational, challenging yet non-threatening and give every child the opportunity to participate to the best of their own ability.
Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic. As Canadians, it is our responsibility to encourage kids to eat healthier foods and be more physically active.
With your help we will accomplish this goal!
2.2 Why OT Fitness?
While different organizations populate the competitive landscape, OT Fitness has proven qualities that differentiate us from the rest. We provide a variety of programs targeted at young people, to give them valuable and memorable fitness experiences that are designed to demonstrate leadership, sportsmanship, competition while developing core skills and athletic abilities that will prove beneficial in many other sporting activities. Our partners include Athletics Canada, Athletics Ontario and the Run Jump Throw Program. We are led by one of Canada’s most accomplished athletes, Milt Ottey. Milt is a three time Canadian Olympian, twice a Commonwealth Games gold medalist and a multiple winner (21 Times) of the Canadian High Jump championship and was ranked the #1 high jumper in the world in 1982. Milt understands that physical activity is at the core of a healthy lifestyle and he directs an array of projects and services from his position as President and CEO of OT Fitness Educational Services Inc. and its “Fun in Athletics” approach. Our promise and motto is “IT’S ABOUT THE KIDS”.
2.3 Target Markets
Our markets include organizations or groups that deal directly or indirectly with school age children (K1 through K12 and post secondary) involving physical activity programs. Currently we have delivered services to elementary, middle and secondary schools as well as community centres and day camps throughout the GTA and surrounding areas. Typically, we deal directly with executive directors, directors, principals, school councils, teachers, coaches, summer camps and day care leaders.
Reasons for acquiring our services are:
