The classic cartoon show Scooby-Doo sets children the best example for activity – if not for eating – according to an "official" league table published yesterday.
But the British government has side-lined the dog and his hippy friends in favour of a more modern sporting favourite on children’s TV.
It was announced the character Sportacus will be helping inspire children to improve their diet.
Sportacus is the star of am Icelandic-produced series called Lazytown which features foodstuffs called "Sports Candy" – in fact fruit and vegetables.
In contrast the most famous food on Scooby Doo is the "Scooby-snack" – often made from a pile of burgers.
UK public health minister Anne Milton said: "Sportacus is a great role model for children and exactly what we need to get young children and their parents being healthy and being active."
Former Olympic champion Sally Gunnell backed the campaign, saying: "As a mum, I know the importance of engaging young children in a fun and creative way.
“I have seen the positive influence athletics can have on children as they grow up so this is a great way of targeting them early on and get more children interested in sport.”
Although Sportacus was the healthiest character on children’s television, a ranking of programmes shows Lazytown as only the most third active. Top of the league table for activity are the manic Scooby Doo stories, which usually involve the dog and his friends running away from fake monsters. Second is Shaun the Sheep.
Leave a Reply