Saudi Gazette Physical education improves mental strength and in order for children to be active in the Kingdom, the Ministry of Education (MoE) plans to encourage and introduce physical activities for children of all ages. The Deputy Minister of Education, Noura Al-Fayez, announced that the MoE's top priority is to develop and implement sports programs in all government and private schools, for both, boys and girls. The infrastructure of government schools are being studied to design a sports hall or gym in every school. Students will be taught about healthy lifestyle practices, the importance of physical exercise, and the basics of balanced nutrition. These programs are an extension of the ministry's vision to provide a high level of education and also to protect and improve the health of the nation's children. Al-Fayez added that most private girls' schools already have physical education classes as a part of their weekly schedule. In the upcoming years more physical education classes for girls will be an essential part of the curriculum in both, private and government schools. This news was very well received by educationists and is seen by most as an effective measure in combating childhood obesity in the Kingdom, which has been increasing in numbers in recent years. __
