Young Red Deer students are being encouraged to keep moving.
Nearly 800 Grade 5 girls attended the 16th annual Go Girl event at the Collicutt Centre on Thursday.
The purpose of Go Girl is to “educate the girls that they are strong, confident and beautiful, and they can … take control of what they want to do in their life,” said Barb Marsh, Go Girl committee co-chair and Red Deer College’s Be Fit For Life Centre program co-ordinator.
The event introduces a variety of physical activities, including golf, softball and soccer, to promote health, confidence and physical activity to students at a young age.
A year of planning goes into the event, Marsh said.
“Things go by really fast on the day, but it’s very impactful and motivating to see the kids have smiles and engaging … in these types of activities,” she said.
Marsh said a visit from Mayor Tara Veer meant a lot to the girls participating.
“She’s in a strong position, guiding our community and is a very strong role model for these girls. You can see the impression she’s had with the amount of girls wanting her to sign their T-shirt,” said Marsh.
Grow Boys, an event held the same day for Grade 5 boys at the G.H. Dawe Community Centre, featured activities exploring understanding, respect, relationships and responsibility.
The goal of the event was to promote and support the happy, healthy development of young men who will soon head to middle school.
“It’s a different concept than Go Girl, but it’s still implements physical activity and stuff like that – it’s about the social side and mental health.
“There are some similarities between the two events, but there are also distinct differences,” said Marsh.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
