CANORA – On a pleasant late summer day filled with sunshine, students from both Canora Junior Elementary School, and Canora Composite School, along with numerous staff members, filled the CCS track to walk and run in support of the Terry Fox Run/Walk on Sept. 16.
Participants hit the track in three groups: CJES, CCS Grades 5-8, and CCS Grades 9-12.
Shawna Stangel, CJES principal, said 140 students and 15 staff made the trek from the elementary school to participate in the Terry Fox Run/Walk. Stangel said, even at their young age, the students can benefit from participating in this important Canadian event.
“We at Canora Junior Elementary School feel that the Terry Fox Walk, in conjunction with stories and in-class activities about Terry Fox and his life, is important for young students to participate in as it teaches about a courageous spirit, resilience to keep going, compassion and empathy for others, and the strength of a community coming together for a common cause.”
The unfortunate fact is that many families in Canora and all over Canada have been affected by cancer.
“This event serves as a tangible way for students to learn about cancer research, the importance of healthy active living, and the understanding that one person truly can make a big difference in the world,” said Stangel. “The 45th Annual Terry Fox Run/Walk once again gave us this opportunity to let us show ‘who we run for’ and ensure that we can help to finish Terry’s Marathon of Hope. We thank Mr. Baillie and senior students from CCS who once again helped to organize the event for us… cheering students on with temporary tattoos, fun stickers, music, and ‘high fives’ from the CCS Cougar mascot.”
Dustin Nielsen, teacher at CCS and Terry Fox Run/Walk organizer, said approximately 250 CCS students participated.
“Everyone is affected by cancer in one way or another. We are trying to do our part to help fund the important research that has been helping in this battle.”
To add some fun to the day, CCS participating students were in a team competition.
“Each grade was assigned a colour,” said Nielsen. “They were to wear clothing that matches their colour and we also gave them flagging tape. Teachers and SRC members tracked how many laps each colour did. After the run we calculated how many laps per person each grade completed. The Grade 8s had the most for the 5-8 group and the Grade 9s had the most for the 9-12 group. Each of those grades were given individual small prizes.
“Thanks to the Crossroads Credit Union who provided fruit for each student, including those from CJES,” said Nielsen.
Seth Propp, a Grade 8 student at CCS, said, “It’s important for us to participate and show our support for people with cancer.”
Propp, like most other students, quickly got into the spirit of the competition between the different grades.
“I like our chances because we have all the fast people,” said a confident Propp.
“Our teacher told us we’d better win, or we’ll have to do math,” added Propp’s classmate, Nick Rewakowsky.
To bring home the importance of the Terry Fox Run/Walk, students had the opportunity to wear stickers indicating the names of specific loved ones who are battling with cancer, bringing home its devastating and wide-ranging impact.
CCS student Kayden Harder said he was running for his mom, Kristen Kelbaugh-Harder, and his grandfather, Jim Kelbaugh.
The following is from the terryfoxschoolrun.org website.
Terry Fox represented the best that Canadians have to offer. He was an example of courage, humility, determination, and perseverance. From a young age he exemplified these attributes that made him an inspiration for not only Canada, but the entire world.
You’ve probably been involved in the School Run or Terry Fox Run for a couple of years now, or maybe you are new to the experience. Whatever your level of previous involvement, the time is now to show your spirit and join the movement. Our next generation of students will be the ones to continue Terry’s fight and lead this worthy cause towards his dream of a world without cancer.
“I wanted to set an example that would never be forgotten.” (Terry Fox)
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