AIA launches Healthy Kids Challenge

Friday, August 19th 2016, 10:44AM

The AIA Healthy Kids Challenge is a five-week programme that aims to inspire 15,000 primary school children to be active and eat well – all while having fun and learning.

As part of the health and well-being programme, each child receives a free pedometer to count the number of steps they take every day; each child also gets to create their own unique avatar. The programme records each class’s daily average steps, giving them the opportunity to win prizes, including AIA sports grants and Huawei Tablets for their school.

The Challenge is being supported by leading New Zealand athletes including rugby winger Cory Jane.

The children’s journey will be captured in a virtual online world showing the progress of their avatars as they work together to unlock new destinations. As children complete each leg, they’re shown an animated video of their avatar exploring each new place with Cory and other NZ sporting stars.

AIA New Zealand Head of Marketing and Communications, David Savidan, says: “We want to encourage Kiwi primary school kids and their families to improve their general health and wellness. The AIA Healthy Kids Challenge harnesses digital technology, which is often seen as a barrier to a healthy lifestyle.”

AIA’s recent Healthy Living Index concluded that unless there is a concerted effort by parents and schools to promote exercise and restrict screen time, there will be significant challenges to the younger generation leading healthier lives.

“The AIA Healthy Kids Challenge is part of our aim to improve health outcomes for every Kiwi, and what better place to start than with our kids,” Savidan says.

Registrations for the AIA Healthy Kids Challenge are now open, but places are limited. The programme will get underway on October 26.

Tags: AIA