Champions for Life Foundation

The Champions for Life Foundation is a Canadian registered charity dedicated to empowering children aged 4 to 12 to develop their physical literacy. The organization focuses on providing physical literacy programs, resources, and expert technical assistance primarily to primary schools, with a special emphasis on vulnerable or under-resourced communities. Its mission is to promote physical activity among children to build essential movement skills, confidence, and motivation that support lifelong healthy and active lifestyles.

History and Mission

The Champions for Life Foundation was established with the goal of addressing alarming trends in childhood sedentary behavior, including excessive screen time, which are linked to adverse health outcomes such as higher body fat, poor diet, cognitive and social challenges, and diminished cardiovascular health. The foundation aims to reverse these trends by encouraging early intervention through movement behavior change in children, setting them on a path toward becoming active and resilient adults.

Programs and Approach

The organization offers turnkey physical literacy programs tailored for children aged 4 to 12, with a specific program targeting 5 to 8-year-olds attending afterschool daycare and community programs. These programs complement school physical education curricula by providing additional opportunities for children to develop fundamental movement skills such as jumping, running, throwing, and catching through fun games and activities. The ultimate objective is to foster self-confidence and a positive attitude toward physical activity among children, motivating them to continue being active throughout their lives.

The foundation collaborates with schools, teachers, and extended care program providers to deliver these programs, especially focusing on those in low socioeconomic areas where health and social risks are higher. Their physical literacy solutions educate children on how to move well, the importance of physical activity, and the risks of prolonged sedentary behavior.

Impact and Support

The Champions for Life Foundation reaches thousands of children across Canada, with documented engagement numbers highlighting significant outreach in schools and community programs. The foundation relies heavily on partnerships and financial support from donors to extend its reach and impact. These contributions enable the organization to sustain and grow its programming, particularly in under-resourced communities.

Registration and Governance

Registered under the Canadian Revenue Agency as a charitable organization, the Champions for Life Foundation operates with the business registration number 796704328RR0001. It complies with all regulatory requirements, maintaining transparency and accountability in its operations.

The Champions for Life Foundation represents a significant effort in Canadian public health and education sectors to foster early physical literacy, which is crucial for the lifelong health and wellbeing of children, especially in vulnerable populations.