There was dancing, there was Zumba, and there was education as the 11th year of Partici-Patrick kicked off this morning at E.W. Norman Public School.
At today’s launch students laughed, and danced all in anticipation of the big event that more than 2,000 students will take part in on June 6th at Steve Omischl Sports Field Complex where students will run the last 2.2K of their marathon and participate in fun activities.
“It’s a very significant day for us because it’s the introduction of our program for the season to new students who will be taking it for the first time and it’s a program that’s going to contribute to them in terms of developing more knowledge and skills to make healthy lifestyle choices,” stated Bob Sampson, the Executive Director of Patrick4Life.
“It excites the kids. It engages them in physical education program as well as an instructional program and a program where they are going to learn about healthy lifestyle choices.”
The goal of "Partici-Patrick" is to make students aware of the importance of physical activity and healthy choices and to make them aware of the realities of HIV/AIDS while doing character and self-esteem building activities.
Patrick Fortin was a young man from North Bay who contracted HIV at age seven through tainted blood and died in 2001 at the age of 23.
Organizers say Patrick’s passion for life continues to inspire them and this project.
“I’m sure he’s very very pleased, and he’s very happy because his legacy continues and will continue and his memory will always be there for all of us who are engaged in this program,” said Sampson.