Bay of Plenty primary school students are being given the opportunity to participate in a new and exciting fundamental skills programme.

The Junior GO4it, which launched this year, is a partnership between Sport Bay of Plenty, Athletics New Zealand and GymSports New Zealand.

Tauriko is one of 32 Bay of Plenty primary schools participating in the Junior GO4it programme. Photo: Sport BOP

The programme is a collaboration between Athletics NZ's ‘Get Set Go' and GymSports NZ's ‘MoveMprove' fundamental movement skills programmes.

Sport BOP has recruited three new staff members, one for each region, who are responsible for coordination, support and delivery of the Junior GO4it programme.

Each class involved receives 10 x 45 minute sessions, with the focus being on positive, fun games to assist children improve fundamental movement skills along with developing them holistically.

Rotorua's Sunset Primary School has run the programme since the start of the year and teacher Aleki Tuilave says he's noticed the change in his students already.

'The lessons are going great, they are learning about more than just being physically active. There is further learning around following rules, numeracy and literacy, routines and the activities are fun,” explains Aleki.

Junior GO4it also has a professional development focus for teachers in order to provide them with the skills and knowledge to continue the programme in their classrooms long term.

Each GO4it coordinator has a physical education teaching background which allows them to link sessions to the curriculum, understand the school environment and encourage creativity in their delivery.

Whakamarama School principal Natasha Greatorex has been impressed by the opportunity for her teachers stating so far.

'We have found the experience to date highly positive and I was impressed with the staff involvement and their requirement to lead a game this week. That's great planning from your side,” she says.

Athletics NZ's Community and Participation manager Amie O'Brien and GymSports NZ Community Sport manager Danielle Halliday say developing the Junior GO4it has been an exciting opportunity for both organisations.

Danielle adds it's been fantastic working alongside Athletics NZ and Sport BOP on this collaboration.

'Like us, both organisations are committed to supporting the development of fundamental skills in young people and this project has been a great opportunity to combine our thinking for the benefit and enjoyment of thousands of Bay of Plenty children,” says Danielle.

In 2016 the Junior GO4it programme will offer 16,000 opportunities to 1600 students within 32 schools throughout the Bay of Plenty.

For more information visit Sport Bay of Plenty's website at: www.sportbop.co.nz/GO4it

Tauranga Adventist School. Photo: Sport BOP