Objectives and themes
The aim of this congress is to bring together scientific and front-line specialists interested in the same question: children's physical activity and sport. Organised to mark the anniversary of CEReKI, this international congress aims to offer pragmatic discussions which will encourage participants to reflect and act. A significant part of the presentations and discussions will focus on children's long-term development, including both competitive and recreational physical activity. The challenge is to reduce sedentary behaviour and, above all, to develop children's enthusiasm for physical activity and sport by offering appropriate teaching which takes into account the child's particularities, their specific context and individual character. Particular attention will be paid to the issues raised by the Canadian concept of LTAD (Long Term Athlete Development), such as the risk of specialising too early, interest in multiple sports and models of competition for young people.
Themes
Three major questions will be addressed throughout the congress :
How important is physical activity during childhood for encouraging a lifetime of physical activity or sport?
By addressing this question, contributions will attempt to underline the impact of physical activity on children's overall development and their future involvement in one or more sports.
What factors encourage or discourage children's physical activity and their future involvement in sport?
A number of factors can encourage or discourage the long term practice of physical or sporting activity: changes in society, cultural context, an increase in sedentary behaviour, existing facilities, the role of parents and teachers, the medical world, clubs and federations, and the influence of local and regional policies. In a system which is both complex and multifaceted, how can we make a real impact upon young people's long term involvement in sport?
What type of activity should children undertake and how can long term involvement be encouraged?
Both the content of sports sessions as well as way in which they are taught must be adapted to children. What strategies should be adopted in schools, clubs or at home? The concept of taking pleasure in activity is certainly a key element leading to an increase in the rate of physical activity. In addition, seeking sporting excellence at an early age, as seen in several sports raises questions: should children specialise at an early age? Are competitions adapted to children? How can injuries, overload and loss of motivation be avoided? Is the search for sporting excellence compatible with development of activities for all?
Sessions and Topics
Session 1 : The importance of physical activity, motor skills development and risks of sedentary behaviour during childhood
- The impact of physical activity and the risks of sedentary behaviour on the development of healthy children.
- The impact of physical activity and the risks of sedentary behaviour on special needs children development.
- Evaluation of the level of physical activity/sedentary behaviour in children.
- Evaluation of motor skill and relationships with children development.
Session 2 : Factors which encourage/discourage physical activity during childhood
- Social and environmental elements which encourage/discourage physical activity and sport.
- Psychological elements which encourage/discourage physical activity and sport.
- Physiological elements which encourage/discourage physical activity and sport.
- The role and impact of parents, trainers, medical staff and politics.
Session 3 : What type of activity should children undertake and how can long term involvement be encouraged?
- Modele of activities which are adapted to children.
- Models of competition which are adapted to children.
- Pedagogical and strategic approaches to encourage long term involvement.
- When and how to specialise in a sport ?
- How to encourage long term involvement in sport for all ?
- Training load, overtraining and injuries during children physical activity and sport.