Roving Gyms keeps kids active

By Lethbridge Herald on July 24, 2020.

Two-year-old Phoebe Foster builds a tower of foam blocks while taking part in Lethbridge Sport Council's Roving Gyms program this week behind Nicholas Sheran Arena. Herald photo by Ian Martens @IMartensHerald

Ian Martens
Lethbridge Herald
imartens@lethbridgeherald.com
Lethbridge Sport Council has restarted its Roving Gym program, giving youngsters and caregivers a safe place to be active and enjoy some outdoor play.
The free program is described by the non-profit sport organization as providing inclusive play spaces for children and their parents or caregivers, nurturing physical literacy, the love of movement, and an environment for families to connect.
There was a need to get kids physically literate at a young age, says Sport Council program and event co-ordinator Shawn Daye-Finley.
“The benefits are astronomical. It creates healthier humans, healthier adults, if people learn to play at a young age. Physical literacy sets people up for success in life. It’s just like learning to read and write — learning to move is just as important, or more, for your health and for learning.”
The program has new protocols in place in an effort to observe health measures. Participants are screened and required to preregister for contact tracing purposes. Cohorts are limited to 12 or less. Sanitizer is provided and all the toys are cleaned and stored between every session.
Daye-Finley says the response has been positive so far, with the first sessions well attended.
“People were just really relieved to get back at it. They were happy to participate in something that gets the kids moving again.”
The Outdoor Roving Gyms run Tuesdays and Thursdays on the green strip behind Nicholas Sheran Arena for children under 6 and their parents and caregivers. Registration and information is available through http://www.lethbridgesportcouncil.ca.
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