The Canadian guideline suggests that children and youth should be getting at least 90 minutes of physical activity per day.
Stats are showing that is not the case for many of our children. The amount of time children and youth are spending being inactive is on the rise. Decreased physical activity is leading to a Canada-wide increase in childhood obesity.
Children and youth are developing chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease at an early age. They are more likely to take part in high risk behaviors like smoking and alcohol consumption and do poor in school.
Grand Forks Recreation (GFREC) is offering a passport for all children who were born in 2003.
They will receive free admission to public swimming sessions and public skating sessions for the entire year. Participants must prove they live in Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Area D and the city of Grand Forks and they must show proof of their date of birth.
They will be issued a card with a picture that must be swiped for each time the visit the facilities. This program will be in place from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.
How is your new year resolution going? Are you staying on task with your fitness program? GFREC would like to offer you some alterative exercise programs that are available at the aquatic centre.
Shape Up Circuit 2013 will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. There is still room to register for the program or you can also do it on a drop-in basis. Space is limited in this program so the registered participants will take priority over the drop-in participants.
If you are looking for a program that would be easier on the joints and body, evening Aqua Fit might be just what works for you.
Classes will be held on Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. in the main pool. You can register for the eight-week program or pay a drop in of $6 per visit. After your class you can stay and swim laps, enjoy the hot tub or sauna or workout in the fitness room.
Dance instructor Gisela Ko would like to offer you the opportunity to learn the basic moves for creative and classical ballet.
This program will be offered on Tuesday afternoons from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. starting Jan. 22 in the lower viewing room at Grand Forks Arena.
For details on the winter programs, you can view the January brochure at www.rdkb.com or give the recreation office a call at 250-442-2202.
– Submitted by Lilly Bryant