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The Times Advocate, 2005-04-20, Page 2020 Exeter Times -Advocate Wednesday, April 20, 2005 Hensall Optimist floor hockey HENSALL — The Hensall and District Optimist Club held their first annual three on three floor hockey tourna- ment April 9 at the Hensall Community Center. Students from Grades 4 through 8 were invited from seven area schools, resulting in 11 teams The Optimists had the support of community service students from St. Anne's and South Huron District High School. Winners in the seniorchampionship game were the Red Bulls over the Snipers with a score of 4 - 2. Winners in the junior championship game were the Zurich Thunder #2 over the Varna Spitfires with a score of 7-2. The Optimists said they had a lot of fun putting on the activity for children in the area and look forward to next year's event. Competing in the Hensall and District Optimist Club first annual floor hockey tournament April 9, the Red Bulls were the winners in the senior division.The Red Bulls are Blair Finkbeiner,Tyler Regier, Stephen Van Aaken, Curtis Regier, Cody Ducharme and Brady Ducharme. In the junior division (below), the winners were the Zurich Thunder #I made up of Josh Groot, Nick LaPorte,Tony Mathonia, Trevor Bryson, Luke Pennings, Brad Regier and Kris Ducharme.(photos/submitted) Program will keep kids active By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — Amid news reports that today's chil- dren aren't exercising enough, a local program is trying to change that. A new program called Fun Fit will see Grade 7 and 8 students leading grades 1 to 6 students through lunchtime exer- cises and games. Funded by the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation, the pro- gram will run three times a week until the end of the school year. Local schools involved in Fun Fit include Exeter Public, Hensall Public, Precious Blood, St. Boniface and Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The Municipality of South Huron, the Huron County Health Unit and the South Huron Rec Centre have partnered in the program. Program leader Diana Simpson of Port Franks kicked off the program by training the Grade 7and 8 students. As she said, children often do much of their playing on a computer these days, rather than in the playground. During Fun Fit, kids will play a variety of 30 different games and activities in an effort to increase their health and get them active. During Fun Fit activities in the school yard, students will be divided into two age groups: grades 1 to 3 and grades 4 to 6. While training the Grade 7 and 8 students on how to lead their peers through the games and exercises, Simpson said the program so far has been going well. "The kids are really keen," she said. "They want to get started right away." Simpson, who said the program will continue at area schools next year, will visit the schools occa- sionally for the rest of the year to monitor Fun Fit's "The kid really Ice want to started r away." DIA PROG Exeter Public School Grade 7 students Carly Mercer, left, and JenessaVarley are two of the school's stu- dents who will lead the younger grades through exer- cises and games at lunchtime. (photo/Scott Nixon) success. The program is designed to increase the amount of weekly physical activity for children, introduce them to fun games and activities, inform parents of healthy living and influ- ence healthy lifestyle choices for children and their families. Simpson reported the following facts on phys- ical activity among stu- dents: • Regular physical activ- ity not only helps obesity, it is an important part of a healthy child's develop- ment, providing physical, mental and social benefits. Studies have found chil- dren who participate in physical activities every- day show improved mem- ory, concentration, com- munication, problem solv- ing and leadership. • Regular physical activi- ty improves self esteem, decreases stress and anxi- ety, builds strong bones, strengthens muscles, increases energy and improves overall health. • Regular physical activi- s are en.They get ight NA SIMPSON RAM LEADER ty can reduce the risk of heart disease, hyperten- sion, type two diabetes, depression and some can- cers. • Physical activity enhances skill perfor- mance in things such as arithmetic, reading, mem- orization and categoriza- tion. • Sixty-six per cent of children and youth are not active enough to lay a solid foundation for health and well being. • Twenty-nine per cent of boys and 24 per cent of girls aged seven to 13 are overweight, almost double the 1981 rate. Fourteen per cent of boys are con- sidered obese, while the number for girls is 12 per cent. • Overweight children are more likely to become obese adults. • The average Canadian child watches about 23 hours of television per week and spends five hours a week on the Internet and playing video games. • Canadian children show a significant decline in physical fitness after 12 years of age. Volleyball player heading for Canadian championships Exeter resident Reid Halpenny will be travelling to Monkton, New Brunswick in May with his Forest City Volleyball Club Green team to compete in the Canadian championships. (photo/Pat Bolen) By Pat Bolen TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — South Huron District High School student and volleyball player Reid Halpenny will be head- ing to New Brunswick in May to play in the Canadian champi- onships with his Forest City Volleyball Green team. The Green team earned the trip to New Brunswick by win- ning the Ontario men's 18 and under championship at Fanshawe College ear- lier in April. It is the first year 011 the squad for 17 -year-old Halpenny, who tried out in September. He said although he felt he had a chance to make the team, he was still surprised when it happened. A veteran team which has been together for several years, the Greens were ranked second going into the tournament. They stumbled in the opening match at the hands of Windsor, but regrouped, and didn't lose another game in the tournament before beating top -seeded Mountain Athletic Club from Hamilton, 25-23, 25-22 for the gold. It was the only loss all year for the Hamilton club, a team of all-stars. Halpenny said the high level of play taught him a lot and he has improved all around. After a strong year, Halpenny said the Greens felt good going into the tournament. Despite the opening loss, Halpenny said the team quickly refocused. It was the first win at provincials for the team after three failed attempts. A starting right side hitter, Halpenny said as one of the younger players, he just did his best to help the team reach its goal. Preparing for the Canadian championships, Halpenny said coach Rob Atkinson thinks the Greens have a good chance and they are excited to be the top - seeded Ontario team. Halpenny added playing with the Greens has been a good experi- ence and he is hoping to be back playing with them again next year.