Healthy Kids Community Challenge Kicks Off with Mayor-Warden Basketball Showdown

Mayor Daryl Bennett and Warden J. Murray Jones squared off on the basketball court of Highland Heights Public School on Thursday morning (February 10th) for a friendly “shoot-off” to officially launch the Healthy Kids Community Challenge for the Peterborough area.

Steph Curry, er, Warden J. Murray Jones with the shot

Steph Curry, er, Warden J. Murray Jones with the shot

“We all have a role to play in this community challenge," says Mayor Bennett. "While the program is aimed at the children in our communities, we can all be more active to serve as examples to young people and to encourage them to be more active. That’s why I’m excited to be out here, having fun on the basketball court with these students today. Even a few minutes of play every day can make a big difference over the long term.” 

County Warden J. Murray Jones adds: “Children don’t need to be involved in organized, structured activities to be active. It can be as simple as getting outside and riding a bike or playing a game of road hockey with neighbouring kids. Making it fun will encourage kids to take part.”

Mayor Bennett (far left) and Warden Jones (far right) pictured with Highland Heights students

Mayor Bennett (far left) and Warden Jones (far right) pictured with Highland Heights students

Peterborough is one of 45 communities in Ontario participating in the Healthy Kids Community Challenge.

From now until June 2016, Healthy Kids Community Challenge funding will help support a variety of activities in our community to get kids and families moving more. Children will benefit from more than 20 initiatives planned to date, including:  

· free public skating times in various arenas
· free parent and tot skating
· free swimming passes
· facilitating schools to bring students to local arenas to skate
· expansion of the drowning prevention program Swim to Survive
· expansion of the Car-Free School Days program
· development of a mobile cross country ski program
· expansion of a bike skills training program Pedal Power
· hosting a “Peterborough Gets Active Month” in April
 
To learn more about Healthy Kids Community Challenge activities, click here

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