The 2015 edition of the traditional 'National GIMB Day' took place today, centered around the theme of motor skills and physical activity amongst children aged 0 to 5 years old.

After the subject of motor skills in early childhood was addressed at a special meeting of Directors of Sports of the EU held under the Luxembourg EU Presidency on 15 and 16 September 2015, the Interministerial 'GIMB' Committee decided to dedicate its 2015 national day, organised annually since 2007, to the topic.

Minister of Sports Romain Schneider commented that parents, teachers, educators, activity leaders and sports club coaches are all interested in the matter, emphasising that these actors are able to make things happen to combat what the Minister of Health Lydia Mutsch cited as a sedentary problem in Luxembourg, combined with an unbalanced diet.

"These bad habits are linked to medium-term health problems, which can cause illnesses such as cardio-vascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, certain cancers and, of course, obesity," highlighted Minister Mutsch. "In the Grand Duchy, 20% of children and more than 50% of adults are affected".

Many people have been found to be lacking in the movement necessary to avoid such illnesses, with an adult expected to be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day. For children and adolescents, this climbs to a minimum of 60 minutes daily. This activity, beyond the health benefits, holds the potential to contribute to the physical and mental welfare of an individual, and is even involved in the construction of personality, providing a valuable opportunity for social learning which recent studies have shown may promote cognitive development in young children.

"Moving plays a fundamental prevention role in public health because physical activity helps prevent disease and suffering, and subsequently considerable medical expenses," concluded Lydia Mutsch. "Physical activity therefore occupies an important place in the considerations and efforts of our Ministry".

The GIMB Day is therefore an opportunity for exchange, meeting and reflection to this effect, organised by the Interministerial Committee 'Eat & Gesond, méi bewegen' comprised of the Ministry of Health; Ministry of Education, Children and Youth; Ministry of Family, Integration and the Greater Region; and the Ministry of Sports.

 

Photo by Ministry of Health