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
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Company get-togethers,
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Hope to
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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.