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MODERN PRINCIPLES TO PROMOTE A PHYSICALLY ACTIVE LIFESTYLE: THE QUEBEC MODEL

Diane LE MAY, Quebec national coordinator, Quebec

Abstract

Twenty-five years ago, Quebec developed a unique and original model, called Kino-Quebec, to promote a physically active lifestyle. It is characterised by the following main elements:

A decentralised model to share human and financial resources all over the Quebec territory, coordinated by a team of three professionals from the Leisure and Sport Secretariat with the support of 35 physical activity professionals distributed between the 17 regions of Quebec.

The Kino-Quebec programme is managed and financed based on a convention signed by three partners: the ministry of Health and Social Services, the 17 regional authorities of Health and Social Services and the Leisure and Sport Secretariat.

Activities to promote a physically active lifestyle planned and implemented with partners from Quebec's associative groups, notably the Fédération de l'âge d'or du Québec (Quebec's Golden Age Association), the Fédération des éducateurs et éducatrices physiques enseignants du Québec (Federation of Physical Education Teachers of Quebec), the Fédération québécoise du sport étudiant (Quebec Student Sports Federation) and the Association québécoise du loisir municipal (Quebec Municipal Leisure Association.)

A course of action which backs the creation of environments favouring the practice of physical and sport activities and also communication activities that support action in regions and promote a physically active lifestyle in certain target groups. Depending on the groups targeted, actions address the school, municipal, community, working or health sectors.

Kino-Quebec, a model which has been attached to Quebec reality for 25 years, is a good example of the special synergy between the regions and government of Quebec as regards promoting a physically active lifestyle.