New group promoting healthy lifestyle for all

Alicia Boisson
South Peace News

An enthusiastic group of volunteers have been working diligently to ensure the High Prairie and District Regional Recreation Board’s “Everybody Gets to Play” program is a success. Dorothy Cowell, chairperson for the growing group of volunteers, says once the program is underway it will be great for the community. “The purpose of the program is to promote health, happiness and fair play,” says Cowell. “Studies have shown that if you are physically fit you will be much healthier mentally and spiritually.” The group has taken the current “Everybody Gets to Play” program and made some slight changes, says Cowell. “Our focus will be on everybody as opposed to just low income families. We want everyone in the community to learn how to live healthy lifestyles,” says Cowell. “We want to start by eliminating any of the barriers that prevent people from participating in activities.” Some of the barriers the group is referring to include cost, time commitments for children and parents, as well as levels of competitiveness in programs. “The activities we introduce with this program will be meant to allow children and their families to develop skills at their own levels, so they can feel good about participating. This is meant to help build self-esteem and encourage positive reinforcement,” says Cowell. “We are hoping to create activities that aren’t as structured or time consuming. We have learned there are a lot of people willing to participate in the program, as long as there isn’t a huge time commitment attached.” Currently, the group is working on its vision of what the program will look like in the first, third and fifth year. They are starting to accept ideas of different activities they can host, for families. “We want everyone to know our meetings are open and anyone is welcome to come in and pitch their ideas,” says Cowell, adding they have created a survey that will be sent home with students from kindergarten to Grade 6 regarding activities in the community. “We are starting to look for people who are interested in helping out.” Cowell says activities can including hiking, swimming, basketball, arts or music — anything that relates to active living.

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