Even the youngest athletes are getting involved in Bradford West Gwillimbury’s Recreation and Parks Month.
Earlier this week, the BWG Leisure Centre offered a free sportball demonstration for tots aged two to four.
Sportball programs give kids at all levels an introduction to sports — building skills, physical literacy and self-confidence, through top-notch coaching and fun activity.
“Kids learn best when they’re having fun, and kids have fun when they’re at the top of their own game,” read the sportball website.
The sportball demo, run by master coach Sharon Balasbas, was a multi-sport program, introducing the young participants to hockey, basketball, volleyball and soccer through games and challenges that taught hand-eye co-ordination and basic skills.
Kids learned the slap shot, the basic volleyball serve — “Squish your arms together like an elephant’s nose,” said Balasbas, trumpeting like an elephant — the basic soccer kick, and how to shoot a hoop.
Sportball is a registered program offered at the leisure centre. For more information, check out the centre’s Leisure Guide or visit bwgleisurecentre.ca.
Recreation and Parks Month continues with free or minimum-cost activities for both leisure centre members and non-members.
June 15: Outdoor kettlebell at the BWG Public Library’s west lawn, 6:15 a.m. to 7 a.m., for ages 13 and up. Free for leisure centre members, or $11 for adults and $9 for students and seniors. Space is limited.
June 18: Pickleball tournament, for ages 55 and up at the leisure centre, 7-10 p.m. $5 per person.
June 20: Outdoor yin yoga at the library’s west lawn, for ages 13 and up, 8-8:45 a.m. Free! Bring your yoga mat, but yoga mats can be provided.
June 25: Outdoor zumba at the library’s west lawn, for ages 13 and up, 9:15-10 a.m. Free drop-in program.
June 27: Boat safety session at the Bradford Lions Aquatics Centre, 6:30-7:30 p.m. A free safety program for all ages.
For details of these and other events, see the town’s website, or call 905-775-7529. Participants at each event will receive a ballot for a draw to win fitness prizes.
