Eastside Vancouver elementary school takes on fitness challenge

Fitness Town, a Vancouver-based fitness company is on a mission to tackle childhood obesity and get kids across Western Canada active and healthy. Partnering with schools and pledging time, resources and equipment to school kids across the region, it is the hope of Fitness Town that all kids will have the equal opportunity to make a positive choice towards a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Starting locally in the east-side of Vancouver, Vancouver’s oldest school, Strathcona Elementary , is the first recipient of the schools initiative. The kids, from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds and circumstances, will, as of this week, take part in a 21 day fitness challenge that aims to create good, life-long habits.

In the run up to Easter and at a time when childhood obesity is on the rise, teachers are looking at options to inspire kids to stay active and not just sit around in a classroom all day followed by TV and video games in the evenings.

The pilot program kicks off with two grade 6/7 classes at Strathcona Elementary who will benefit from regular morning classes taken by fitness experts and ropes, weights, balls and bands donated by Fitness Town.

Anonymous donor

In a twist, an anonymous donor came forward from the local business community when she heard about the 21 Day Family Fitness Challenge and the impact it was having on hundreds of local families. Concerned that some kids would not have access to the initiative due to financial restraints or family circumstances, she pledged $1,000 of Challenge kits to a local school and Fitness Town stepped in to match the offer.

“Our kids are from many different backgrounds so not all of them get the encouragement to stay active or have the access to seek out new and exciting hobbies in their leisure time,” says Dan Knibbs, Vice Principal, Strathcona Elementary. “We’ve already introduced some elements of active living at the school including morning activities, organic gardening, healthy snacks and watching food programs. But this donation means the kids can really motivate each other to play, interact and remain active whilst having fun. At present, I’d say only around a third of kids in each class are what we’d call moderately active so there’s some great potential here.”

“It’s so easy for kids to lead a sedentary lifestyle these days with all the latest technology and distractions. We feel responsible as parents, adults and passionate fitness experts to give something back to the local community,” says James Newman, CEO Fitness Town. “For us, there’s no underlying agenda. We simply want to give as many kids as possible the opportunity to have fun, get outside and play. If our Challenge has an impact on just a few kids then it has all been worth it.”

Check out Strathcona Elementary 21-day fitness challenge blog here and post your comments and words of encouragement along their 21-day journey to improved health and fitness.