Better Winnipeg: Canada Summer Games inspiring young Winnipeggers to stay active

Athletes from around the country are in Winnipeg to compete at the Canada Summer Games, giving local children a front row seat to incredible athletes and events.

The Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport & Recreation Association (WASAC) has been working with organizers of the summer games to bring new opportunities to local kids. Every year WASAC hosts free day camps for thousands of children in the inner city. This year many of the children have been able to attend various Canada Games events and check out the action first-hand. A few children have even had the opportunity to participate in the medal presentations at the Games.

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“We’re really starting to build some excitement around the games and make sure that everyone gets a tap on the shoulder that the games is for them as well. So we’re really excited about it,” Kevin Chief from WASAC said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We're really starting to build some excitement around the games and make sure that everyone gets a tap on the shoulder that the games is for them as well. So we're really excited about it," Kevin Chief from WASAC said.

Two of the WASAC camp leaders have been given a unique opportunity to work with the Summer Games for the past year, promoting the event.

“It has been great,” Taylor Munroe said. “It’s a whole new world for me and it has really helped me work on my people skills and talking and just a bunch of different areas.”

Part of the goal is to inspire young Winnipeggers to live healthy, active lifestyles.

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“These young athletes from the Canada Games can be role models for our youth so the opportunity for the youth from WASAC to actually watch these athletes compete is hopefully going to give them the inspiration to continue on in sports,” said Jeff Hnatiuk, president and CEO of the 2017 Canada Summer Games.

This month WASAC transformed their day camp into a mini summer games event complete with an obstacle course, shot put, running and javelin throwing.

“It’s really fun because you get to join teams and you get to be with new people that you never met,” Kiara Knott, one of the participants said. “My favourite part is meeting new friends and the activities.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's really fun because you get to join teams and you get to be with new people that you never met," Kiara Knott, one of the participants said. "My favourite part is meeting new friends and the activities."