February 19, 2010 -  Today, Holy Cross School joined in the Winter Olympics celebrations by hosting an Olympic Winter Sport Day.  Students, teachers, school administrators, and community partners participated in this unique event celebrating active living, diversity, and culture.  Organized by school staff, the celebration involved opening ceremonies, an authentic Olympic torch, and student-led outdoor Olympic activities. 

The concept of the event was initiated from a resource developed by the Health Unit, titled “Celebrate the Olympics! A Winter Play Day Resource.” This is one of the three resources created in partnership between the Health Unit, the City of Thunder Bay, the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, and Harbour Youth Services.  Several local schools have adapted the programs and have celebrated the 2010 Vancouver Olympics in various ways. 

“An event such as this not only provides students with a fun way to be active, but it also offers a rich opportunity to build social skills,” says Jazmin Callianteris, Public Health Nurse in the Health Promoting Schools program.  “As students are engaged in the excitement of the games, they are also developing skills relating to leadership, strategic thinking, and teamwork, which enhance their self-esteem and overall resiliency.” 

Although Canada’s Physical Activity Guide for Children and Youth recommends that young people be active for 90 minutes per day, recent studies indicate that our children are falling far short of this.  In light of this information, and all of the recent media attention and research on childhood obesity and inactivity, public health is working with school communities to find ways to promote healthy, active lifestyles for our children.  Programs that also involve character development are especially fitting.

“The Holy Cross School community is proud not only to be Canadian, but to show the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect,” states Alexa McKinnon, Principal of Holy Cross School.  “At our Olympic Sport Day, through sport and camaraderie, our students experienced a glimpse of what it is like to be a true Olympian.”

The Health Unit is collecting stories from schools that participated in Olympic festivities, and is encouraging teachers to call the Health Unit at 625-5972 to share how their school embraced the Games.

More information about Olympic resources that the Health Unit offers can be found online at www.tbdhu.com/HC/Teacher+Links.htm. 

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