Kidsfest participants complete a 5 kilometre run through the community.
On June 1, 2010, Little Grand Rapids RCMP members, RCMP members from the D Division Community Aboriginal Policing Unit along with representation from Kidsfest and 29 children from grades 3 to 6 of the Abbalak Thunderswift Memorial School, completed a 5 kilometre run through the community.
The run concluded what was a great year as part of the Kidsfest’s Running and Reading Club.
After the run, each child received a medal acknowledging their participation in the run. Each child was given a t-shirt and a brand new pair of Brooks running shoes. The fastest female and fastest male to complete the run each received a Nintento DSi XL.
A very successful barbeque was held where all the children in the community in grades 3 to 6 were invited to attend. Hot dogs and juice boxes were provided for the children. A prize draw was also held where each child received a book or toy. Apples were supplied to the children which were donated by the Northern Store.
“The highlight of the day was to see that all the children completed the run that they set out to do. It was quite obvious by the smiles on the faces of those children how much they enjoy being a part of this program and how important the program is to them.” said Sgt. Robert Cooke of the D Division Contract and Aboriginal Policing.
Kidsfest’s Running & Reading Club is an after school program that addresses the need for enhanced literacy and physical activity among economically challenged children. The program runs one afternoon per week for two hours throughout the school year at multiple schools throughout Canada. Funding for this program is provided by the RCMP Mounted Police Foundation and other sponsors. In Manitoba, the RCMP, in partnership with Kidsfest, participates at four elementary schools:
• Abbalak Thunderswift Memorial School – Little Grand Rapids, MB
• Joe A. Ross School – Opaskwayak Cree Nation (The Pas), MB
• Shaughnessy Park Public School – Winnipeg, MB
• William Whyte Community School – Winnipeg, MB
Kidsfest Canada was founded by retired CFL player Brian Warren in 2000. The program helps children improve their physical, mental, emotional and social health and develop a love of reading. The program strives to enrich the lives of children who live below the poverty line, equipping them with the educational tools necessary to achieve success and become valuable contributors within their respective communities.
For more information on Kidsfest please visit: www.kidsfestonline.com. Youth is an RCMP strategic priority – for more information on RCMP priorities please visit: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Sgt. Robert Cooke
D Division Contract and Aboriginal Policing
(204)984-0706
