“Poverty is the state of one who lacks a
certain amount of material possessions or money. Absolute poverty or
destitution refers to being unable to afford basic human needs, which commonly
includes clean and fresh water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and
shelter.” (Wikipedia)
What is most
troubling about poverty is that as Canadians we think that poverty refers to other people in another land. But it
is not. It is right here in Canada. There
are children living in poverty, who are at great risk and require guidance,
academic and physical support, and most importantly, hope for a brighter
future.
This is why
organizations such as Start2Finish are stepping up to break the cycle of child
poverty in Canada by providing ongoing educational support and physical
activity opportunities to children at risk during their school years. By investing
in their future and developing their mind, body and social health, Start2Finish
is empowering poverty-stricken Canadian children to succeed, giving them opportunities
they might not otherwise have ever had.
One of the
highly successful Start2Finish programs also addresses the all-important need
for physical literacy, by including “The Running & Reading Club”
after-school program. This 32-week program is led by 1984 Olympian Sylvia
Ruegger, the Canadian record holder in the women’s marathon, who combines
enhanced literacy with physical activity to economically challenged children.
The program operates directly within local inner city schools, and runs from
October to June. This unique opportunity
takes children on a journey that improves their physical, mental, emotional and
social health, fostering discipline, goal-setting and literacy. They build their endurance and strength
through fitness activities and also receive individualized tutoring in reading
and writing. At the end of the year, the children participate in the
Start2Finish 5 km “Run for Change and Reading Challenge” followed by an awards
ceremony acknowledging their achievements. So far over 1,400 children, from
Halifax to Vancouver, including several First Nations communities, have benefitted
from this program.
For more information on child’s health and fitness, please
visit SIRC.
2 comments:
Humanities and Sciences, Engineering, and Earth Sciences each contain maybe a couple of divisions of study inside of them. guidancesports.com
Best Nutrition health services in birmingham is one of the leading fitness accessories online stores in United KIngdom. The store provides every gym workout equipment for sale which helps you to bring the gym to your home.
Post a Comment