Promoting Health with an Afternoon Skate

Posted on: Staff Writer

Amy Gregson- Times Reporter

It will be an afternoon of skating Jan. 24, as Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) will be holding their annual Great Skate.
This year the event will be held at the Family Centre.

“The idea is to get people out free skating, get the family together and some exercise,” said Robert Breitwieser, spokesperson for HEAL.
HEAL tries to promote physical activity and eating nutritionally. The group promotes activities like the walking program and is currently holding a contest for whoever “walks” their way to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic first.

The group has previously held the great skate on the ponds, but with the weather currently being warm and unpredictable HEAL has moved the event indoors.

“The first year the pond was really good, the pond was excellent. Last year, it was kind of like skating on corn flakes.”
The event is free and open to the entire community. Prizes and awards will be handed out throughout the day.
HEAL is also promoting a skate exchange. Those with old skates can drop them off and then they will be transferred to a skate depot at Home Hardware.

“Home Hardware will sharpen them and then anyone who wants skates can pick them up at Home Hardware,” said Breitwieser.
This skate depot will continue to be at Home Hardware on a permanent basis.
For more information contact Breitwieser at (403) 934-2005.