YMCA fills the park for healthy kids

Information and fun were on the agenda for hundreds of children as the YMCA hosted its annual Healthy Kids Day. Photos by Dennis Chippa.

Thomson Park is a busy place on any June Sunday.

But this Sunday the park was even busier, as the YMCA hosted its annual Healthy Kids Day.

Liam Cullin, who helped organize the event, says it is a two month organizational undertaking with a simple message.

“We’re trying to bring together as many organizations as possible, just letting families and kids know some of the options that are available for raising healthy kids in North Bay.”

The YMCA partnered with several groups like the Health Unit, the North Bay Multicultural Centre, Canadian Tire and an army of volunteers.

As well, 28 local organizations joined in to provide information and displays.

The North Bay Police Service and the Ministry of Transportation took cyclists through their paces, while local sports organizations and groups like the Canadian Cancer Society and Kidsport were on hand to provide information on upcoming events, upcoming seasons, or just information on healthy eating or sun safety.

It is information Cullin feels families need.

“Lots of different information booths for families if they want to just get information about things that are happening. As well there are some physical activity options for kids.”

Throw in the skateboard park, tug of war, inflatables and the playground area, and it was a busy place to be.

Cullin says Thomson Park is a perfect location for such a family friendly event, as it has the room to provide the booths,  and allow the sports to be more interactive, while providing space to grow in the future. 

“We grew it this year in terms of the numbers of organizations participating and the weather did co-operate again. We did have a backup plan to go to the YMCA but thankfully we didn’t need it.”

There are no official numbers on participants, but if the lineups at some of the booths were any indication, the day provided a great introduction to some topics and sports many families didn’t know about.