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Red Deer students of all ages get active for Winter Walk Day

In the depths of winter, the desire to hibernate is undeniable, but Winter Walk Day encourages everyone to get moving despite the cold.
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In the depths of winter, the desire to hibernate is undeniable, but Winter Walk Day encourages everyone to get moving despite the cold.

Students ranging from Grade 1 to those in college took time on Wednesday to get outside in the big snowfall and go for a walk.

“We spend so much money buying boots and coats for our kids so they aren’t cold,” said Char Andrew, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools Health and Wellness Coordinator. “It won’t hurt them to get out for 15 minutes.

“The fact is we live in a province that has winter months and it’s important that we still stay active and get out whenever we can.”

Winter Walk Day is an annual event, held in February, to encourage people to shake off the winter blues and be active outdoors in the cold.

Ecole Camile J. Lerouge, Father Henri Voisin School, St. Gregory the Great, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, St. Patrick’s, St. Teresa of Avila and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic schools all participated in their own way.

“We want to encourage people to be active outdoors, not just in the summer, but in the winter too!” said Andrew.

“We feel this day is beneficial because it teaches students to be physically literate in all the seasons that Alberta offers.”

The cold weather did affect some of the walks, as some had to be moved indoors. But that didn’t stop students from getting active on Wednesday.

Red Deer Public Schools hosted their own events, but Gateway Christian School was the scene of the public district’s major event. The students at the school went for their winter walk to the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and back and had a warm up led by staff from 360 Fitness.

Del Lomsnes, Red Deer Public Schools School Health Coordinator, said the day started as an initiative to get Albertans outside during the winter.

“We’ve even seen a big change in the physical education programming and a push to get kids outside,” said Lomsnes. “We need to get kids out in the fresh air more.”

Red Deer College also participated in Winter Walk Day, with its own event. The Be Fit For Life Centre at the college invited everyone at the school to go for a short, 15 minute walk.



mcrawford@reddeeradvocate.com

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