Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-04-23, Page 8Sports PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2009. Huron and Perth Counties are welcoming spring with the community-wide Turn Off the Screens and Get “in motion” contest the week of April 27 to May 3. The goal is to encourage residents to make physical activity a part of their daily lives. Tracking forms will be available at all elementary schools, local recreation centres, libraries, some workplaces and the health unit. People are encouraged to check off their forms daily with their screen- free time and physical activity. At the end of the week the forms are returned and will be entered into draws for prizes. “Whether you have been hibernating for the winter or maintaining your physical activity routine, take this week to explore new options that are available,” says in motion steering committee member from the Goderich YMCA, Jane Dawson. “We’d like to see everyone turn off the screens – computer, television, games when they’re not needed for school or work – and get active. The goal is to encourage children and adults to be active for 30 minutes at least five days a week.” A list of free events can be found at www.hpinmotion.ca or call your local recreation centre. The website also has a link to the Huron County Trail brochure. Trail activities are always free. Check out the Owl Prowl April 30 and the guided Spring Hike May 3. Some local libraries are also offering screen free activities during this week. Dawson says physical activity is an important ingredient for good health. In Huron County only about half of residents aged 12 and over are active enough for health. More than half of adults are overweight or obese and heart disease is the number one cause of death. As well, over one quarter of children are overweight or obese. Funding for this initiative comes from a Communities in Action Fund Grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion, as well as municipal and community partners. First to win The Wingham Daytime Curling League finished its season at the annual awards night. Taking home the Bob Foxton Fuels Trophy as winner of the first draw was the Bob Johnston rink. From left: Barry Elliott, Ed Stewart, Allan Webster, Johnston and Foxton, who was present to make the presentation. (Photo submitted) Winners Winning the second draw of the Wingham Daytime Curling League season was, from left: Bill Gibson, Verna Taylor and skip, Wendell Stamper. Absent was Pete Eskritt. Making the presentation of the Bob Edgar Memorial Trophy was Kathy Edgar, right. (Photo submitted) River’s Edge Par 3 Golf Course Cranbrook NOW OPEN Company get-togethers, birthday parties, etc. 9 Holes ~ perfect for beginners Hope to see you soon. Accepting bookings. 519-887-6000 Taking the trophy The winners of the Wingham Daytime Curling League’s third draw of the season took home the J.R. Coultes Trophy. From left: Len Archambault, Doreen Marks, Verna Taylor, Stewart Leedham and Jim Coultes, who made the presentation. Absent was Pat Wheeler. (Photo submitted) Turn off the screen and get in motion Three key steps to keep kids safe on wheels – advice for parents of kids of all ages • Make sure your child wears a properly-fitting helmet and other protective gear. Helmets and helmet straps should fit snugly. A helmet should sit level on the head and cover the top of the forehead. But many children push their helmets too far up off the forehead, or wear the straps too loose. This can cut their protection by more than 50 per cent. • Have children ride in a safe environment – away from cars and other vehicles. While injuries can happen anywhere, the most devastating and fatal injuries frequently involve cars. • Supervise children on wheels until they are at least eight years old. Know your child’s abilities. Make sure children are the right age for their equipment. Children can start to use scooters and two-wheeled bikes at age five or six; in- line skates and skateboards at age seven or eight. Children need adults to check their skills and give feedback as they learn to ride or in-line skate. Parents can also use this time to emphasize safety and enforce helmet use. Early habits, backed up by family rules, may help maintain helmet use when the child is older and no longer supervised.