‘TrySport’ program blends policing, lacrosse and kids in Cherry Brook

School may not be back in session yet but that didn’t stop a buzz of activity from filling the field behind Graham Creighton Junior High Tuesday.

Created in 2011, “TrySport” is an annual program that connects youth to sport and positive police interaction.

“The main goal of this program is for the officers to get to interact with the youth in a different setting and just to build relationships with the community,” Cpl. Kwabby Oppong said, a member of the RCMP Preston detachment.

“We’re here to be part of the community and to try and interact with the youth,” Oppong said.

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Dozens of Preston-area youngsters flooded the field to learn the game of lacrosse.

READ MORE: North Preston youth ‘having a ball’ at soccer camp

“I think it’s really fun to play with new people and learn a new sport,” said Keezaidra, a youth from North Preston.

Organizers helped out from the lacrosse Nova Scotia community. It wasn’t long before many of the leaders formed bonds with the kids.

“I just met Colby and he’s already passing, catching and cradling, so I made a good friend here today,” Ali Rehman said, a volunteer at the event.

Many parents at the event hope involving their kids in fitness and sport at an early age will set them up for a lifetime of health achievement.

“When kids get older you want them to know about health and how to take care of themselves. So if you can put sports into the mix at an early age we may have less health problems in our system,” said parent Larry Beals.

The annual event hopes to send positive messages to the youth about the role police play.

“We want them to understand that we’re just here to help keep the community safe,” Oppong said.