YMCA carnival raises money to increase access to facility

REGINA – The YMCA launched its first ever Strong Kids Megathon today to fundraise money for memberships for low-income families.

“I think everyone believes that having strong, healthy kids creates strong health families,” said Regina Qu-Appelle Valley MLA Laura Ross.

The money, raised via a carnival inside the YMCA Northwest location, supports over 300 children, youth and families.

The carnival also raised the issue of childhood obesity and inactivity.

Active Healthy Kids Canada reported major problems with physical activity levels, giving Canada a D-grade for the topic.

“You’re fighting for their attention with the screen time, whether it be iPads and video games, and all that stuff,” said Richard Exner, who enjoyed the carnival with his three children.

Exner says he limits his childrens’ tech use.

“A lot of things have happened since I was their age, right; a lot of more information, studies, and whatnot,” said Exner.

Candace Leurer, fitness director at the centre, says it’s never too late to start getting active, and that simply asking children what they want to do is a first start.

“It’s super important for the parents to be that role model,” said Leurer. “If we can start them off at a younger age and get them active, that active lifestyle is going to follow them throughout their adulthood, as well as hopefully pass that on to their children as well.”