Lowering the age limit of leisure activity grants

Lowering the age limit for the use of leisure activity grants for cards in gyms

The municipality of Hafnarfjörður recently changed the rules for leisure activity grants, so that children aged 14 and older can now use the grant to pay for a gym card or a similar access card that is valid for 3 months or longer, if certain conditions regarding education and training for practitioners are met.

Previously, the age limit was 16 years and older. A review of the data on the use or utilization rate of the leisure allowance reveals a large decrease in the number of practitioners at the age of 14. Exercise and a healthy lifestyle have great preventive value and it is important to find ways to encourage continued exercise.

More exercise activities options for ages 14 and up

The aim of the change is to encourage children and young people aged 14 and over to continue exercise and social participation during the important and formative years of adolescence and to take advantage of leisure activity grants which are valid until the age of 18. It has been shown and proven that exercise and activity have a positive effect on the quality of life and well-being of children and young people.

With the decision, Hafnarfjörður wants to increase the likelihood of continued exercise and activity for 14-year-olds and older. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to find suitable exercise or leisure with their child, whether in organized sports and leisure activities or in a gym.

The leisure activity grant can be used to pay for a card in a gym from the beginning of the year in which the children turn 14.