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By Shane Clausing

Community

Grande Prairie Regional Sport Connection launches Family Sample Sport Days program

Sep 12, 2020 | 5:00 AM

The Grande Prairie Regional Sport Connection is introducing a new program called Family Sample Sport Days.

This encourages families and cohorts to stay active and get out and participate in different sports.

“We are really looking at opportunities to get people moving,” said Karna Germshied with the Grande Prairie Regional Sport Connection. “Surveys right now across the province and nationally are showing that there’s been a significant dip in physical activity amongst youth.”

Germshied pointed to a survey that came out of Southern Alberta that stated prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 74 per cent of children spent more than one hour participating in sport. However, since the pandemic began, the study shows that number has dropped drastically to only 17 per cent.

While there has been a dip in activity amongst children, Germshied says that families participating in sporting activities are up, which is why the Sport Connection has decided to launch the Family Sample Sport Days program.

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“We want to give an opportunity for family cohorts to explore new, low cost, opportunities in the region. We are looking at different things like we’ve got new pickleball courts in the region. As long as you have got rackets, it is free to play for families.”

“So, we want to get them out there with a representative from the local Pickle Ball Club to help show them the rope the first time and hope that they would enjoy it long term. We are just looking at different opportunities to showcase new sports to families in hopes they will engage with it long term.”

Other sports that families will be able to try out include lawn bowling, disc golf, and hiking. All will have a representative to show the families the ropes of the sport.

Lawn Bowling is the first event on the calendar, which begins on September 23.

The Sport Connection says that as of right now, they only have summer sports available, but as the snow starts to fall, they’re looking at different winter sports that families and their cohorts will be able to try out.

Those interested in signing up and learning more about the program can head to the Grande Prairie Regional Sport Connection’s website.