SportMedBC RunWalk Coordinator Susan Nguyen had a chance to check out the Moricetown Elementary 5K Event last Friday, June 24th.
Moricetown is a village located between Smithers and New Hazelton, British Columbia.
Here’s Susan’s account of the fun 5K for students, kindergarten to grade 7.
“Last Friday, Moricetown Elementary held a 5K run for their students.
As I made my way to the school, a light rain began to fall. The rain was the least of the students concerns!
Inside the school, the students were creatively crafting their posters to proudly represent their run/walk group. Spirits were high as students were excited and full of energy as they lined up at the start line, hand-in-hand.
It was evident that the rain would not dampen their spirits! Running alongside the students, I witnessed bonds of friendships being strengthened, the power of encouragement and support for one another, and a demonstration of social responsibility as students would stop running to pick up garbage throughout the trail.
Thinking back on the events of the day, the organization and collective efforts of Aboriginal RunWalk Leaders Colleen Mitchell and Charmayne Gagnon reminded me of a quote:
“A Teacher affects eternity; she/he can never tell where his/her influence stops”
– Henry Brooks Adams
It takes great leadership and initiative to recognize that an active lifestyle plays an important role in the health of individuals and communities. The 5K event has personally renewed my passion for encouraging people to keep active (young and old) and I am absolutely certain that it has influenced the students to continue to be active and committed members of the community beyond their elementary school years!
Congratulations to Colleen Mitchell, Charmayne Gagnon and the staff and students of Moricetown Elementary. You are all true leaders who have positively influenced us all!”