Government is to shift the focus from competitive sport to general fitness in physical education classes to ensure students stay healthier longer.

But Education Minister Terry Lister stressed organised games would stay part of the curriculum.

Announcing the policy shift at a recent meeting of Harrington Sound Primary parents, he said: ?The skills we seek to create nowadays through the physical education programme have more to do with prolonging life than with being the best footballer in the school.

?We do not neglect game skills, but now we incorporate them as part of a total package.?

Minister Lister said opportunities for competitive sports still existed in the public school system but the physical education curriculum could no longer be charged of being biased in favour of the athletically gifted while the rest of the class sat on the sidelines.

Changes have become necessary to combat illnesses like diabetes which had become more prevalent as a result of increasingly sedentary lifestyles of Bermudian families, said Mr. Lister.

Researchers revealed last year that Type Two diabetes, which until recently only showed up in adults, was now affecting young children.

Known diabetes cases in the wider population top the 9,000 mark with around 400 new cases each year.

Mr. Lister said his aim was to ensure all younger students have positive experiences in their physical education classes.

The Minister went on to describe some new additions to the curriculum, including the Waterwise Programme and the Bermuda Sloop Foundation?s Bermuda Spirit experience.

The Waterwise programme teaches students the fundamentals of sailing and then goes on to use sailing as the main means of integrating English language arts, social sciences, maths, PE and science.

Students wanting to participate in the Bermuda Sloop Foundation Bermuda Spirit programme must pass the Waterwise programme.

Minister Lister said being a part of a crew developed all kinds of skills, including planning, looking out for friends and staying calm in emergencies.

?We want students to carry over these skills from the sloop to real life.?

The Minister said physical education teachers were taking advantage of relevant training opportunities with 16 completing an International Association of Athletic Federations track and field workshop in November conducted over 14 consecutive days while in May 21 public school teachers successfully completed the American Red Cross Water Safety Programme.