Manitouwadge residents turn off the screens to get fit
Manitouwadge residents turn off the screens to get fit
by Karina Hunter
Thursday evening Manitouwadge Fire Department volunteer firefighters challenged kids, from 3 – 14 yrs of age, to complete a combat training obstacle course at Agawa Gardens, in Manitouwadge. The event was held in collaboration with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s (TBDHU) Turn off the Screen Week initiative. Participants earned, upon successful completion of the course; a certificate, a play firefighters helmet, and the title of Junior Firefighter. By-standers cheered as children raced in pairs through a series of obstacles designed to mimic the skills firefighters use in the call of duty. Free draws were held throughout the event for a myriad of prizes provided by TBDHU.
Emeraude Liette Charron proudly displays the bubble kit she won after completing the firefighter's Combat Training Obstacle course.
Turn Off the Screens, now in its 6th year, is a week long initiative hosted by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, which encourages students and thdeir families to Turn Off the Screens (TV, computer, and video games) and get a healthy active lifestyle. Coordinating the initiative in Manitouwadge for 2009, was District Health Nurse, Jackie Jung “It is nice to see the community participating in such great numbers, validating efforts by the organizations with whom we (TBDHU) collaborate” Jung added “This week wouldn’t be possible without the support of local schools and organizations.” The week has not yet ended, Sunday, the Manitouwadge Conservation Club invites everyone to the Perry Lake Trail where there will be a variety of activities to participate in , including compass reading and a nature walk.
Brooklyn Nemeth races toward the finish line of the Firefighters Combat Training obstacle course.
Brandon Narbonne is right on target completing the course cheered on by his parents and siblings.
Submitted to the Chronicle Journal, June 7th, 2009
