The B.C. Lions will be in attendance at the 5-2-1-0 Community Play Boxes event, which will be held at Memorial Park on Saturday, May 2nd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The health-conscious game playing sessions, hosted in partnership with the Fraser Valley Regional District Recreation, Culture and Airpark Services and Fraser Health Authourity are premiering in Hope as a first of its kind.
“It’s about collectively taking responsibility for the health and welfare of our community,” said Milly Marshall, manager of Recreation, Culture and Airpark Services. According to Marshall, there is not enough fundamental physical development instruction happening at the early level, resulting in the inability of local children to develop necessary skills for healthy living.
Hope and its surrounding areas are reported to be the second lowest in the province in terms of physical well-being and developmental scores (EDI.)
“It’s important to get the message out,” she said.
Locations for the activities are slated at Memorial Park and the 6th Avenue ball field. The inception of 5-2-1-0, originated with a need to bring physical activity to children and to help educate, while promoting the necessity of healthy change.
Play Boxes are to be set up at the specified points and will house play equipment at zero cost to help inspire children to engage in physical activities, while sticking to the 5-2-1-0 motto. The motto promotes daily consumption of 5 fruits or vegetables, no more than 2 hours of screen time, 1 hour of activity and the use of 0 sweetened beverages per day.
“It’s about making the healthy choice — the preferred choice,” said Marshall.
Parents and members of the community are encouraged to access the boxes and jump in whole-heartedly with their children for some much needed play time, whether it be a combination of soccer, rope-jumping, hula hooping, basketball or the time honoured tradition of football.
Draw prizes will be available, along with information and registration booths from homegrown community sports organizations. There will be no shortage of games, activities and action-adventure for thrill-seeking families of all ages.
The people of the Yale School Community Centre and the Almer Carlson Pool in Boston Bar will have access to a Play Box and are encouraged to come on down and get into the game with their peers in Hope.
The Recreation Centre will also be hosting The Move for Health Day on Wednesday, May 6th. Members of the community are invited for free entry to the facility, a children’s obstacle course, a Tai Chi demonstration for the morning Aquafit patrons, senior health and living information, as well as 20 per cent off of facility passes.
The day will also commence with the arrival of a much anticipated Plyometric space and a new TRX program.
For more information please contact Mandy Arbuckle at aarbuckle@fvrd.bc.ca, or 604-869-2304 at the Recreation Centre.