“SMALL MEETING WITH ATHLETICS” RECREATIONAL EVENT AS AN INNOVATIVE TOOL PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND ACTIVE LEISURE TIME AMONGST PRESCHOOLERS

Use of movement as a form of treatment finds increasing justification in various research and practice. Hence the search for more and more attractive forms and means of promoting physical activity and the idea of active leisure, which should contribute to improving the health of children and adolescents. The aim of this paper is to present prep-arations for the recreational event “A Small Meeting with Athletics” and show how institutional and human re-sources may be used in an innovative way. The project was given the form of athletic competitions – an event which is usually not available for the general public to participate. The main element of the project was a professional time measurement of a 30-meter run, on a measuring track, using Slandi's measuring device and slow-motion recordings. 300 measurements were made. Subject group consisted of 46 pre-school children. The project was verified in practice during a closed and an open event. In both cases, it was met with a very positive reception of the participants – both children and their parents. Promoting repeated participation of children and adolescents in events that encourage them to be physically active, as well as the use of outdoor forms, brings – in the long run – profits such as healthier population whose members have established health-related habits and well-developed social competences. With the available institutional and human resources, it is possible to increase the attractiveness of traditional educational and recreational activities. Proper planning of the event is the key that helps prepare any educational project. It is therefore necessary to work with individuals with hands-on experience. The academic environment should support teachers who work at pre-academic levels of education by searching for new solutions together and constantly adapt-ing existing ones to current needs. The cooperation of teachers at various levels of education carries a great potential and, in the light of the diversity of their experiences and perceptions, it brings great benefits to both parties. It also results in useful solutions in the area of practical educational activities.