Ever wanted to try gymnastics? Ultimate frisbee? Tae Kwon Do?
These are just a few of the sports you can sample at Lakeside Park soccer fields during Sports Day in Canada on September 29, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Kim Palfenier, executive director of the Nelson Regional Sports Council, registered Nelson as an official participant in the national event. It’s the first time our city is taking part.
“I think it will be a great opportunity for clubs and participants to meet and share their love of sport and get active,” Palfenier said.
She said about a dozen clubs are confirmed to attend and there’s still room for more to sign up. Clubs are encouraged to offer samples of their sport if possible, through some — like curling and down hill skiing — will just have booths set up with information about their sport.
“Hopefully the clubs will be able to recruit some new members during the events,” Palfenier said, stressing that being active is important for all ages. “A lot of parents want to sign their kids up for stuff, but hopefully the adults will find something they’re interested in too.”
There will also be some fun competitions throughout the day, such as sack races, egg and spoon race and three-legged race.
Palfenier said the day to celebrate sports is a natural fit for Nelson: “We really do love of sports and recreation in this town.”
To get in the spirit of sports, the Star’s parent company Black Press is encouraging local businesses to allow their staff to wear their favourite team jersey to work on Friday, September 28.
For Nelson businesses, it’s recommended employees pay a toonie to participate and the money be donated to Nelson Kidsport, an organization that offers grants towards children’s sports registration fees for families who would otherwise not be able to afford to participate in sport.
Nelson Star operations manager Karen Bennett said she hopes to see a lot of jerseys being worn on the 28th.
“Everyone in our office is taking part,” she said. “It’s a great way to support Kidsport and help make sure families in our community can afford to have their kids on sports teams.”
