Now in its third year, the Learn to Run Program at Osoyoos Elementary School has become a resounding success with close to 250 of the school’s 300 students taking part in the eight-week program that culminates with a Community Fun Run on May 24. All local residents are invited to participate in the fun run. (Ronda Jahn photo)
Osoyoos Elementary School (OSE) might have the fittest collection of students and staff of any school in the country.
That’s because close to 250 of the school’s 300 students – and a large percentage of the teaching staff – are actively involved in the school’s popular Learn to Run program.
This is the third year the school has been offering a Learn to Run program for students. The idea for the program came from veteran teachers Dean Rowland and Ryan Miller, who were also involved in helping make the hockey academy program at Osoyoos Elementary School one of the most successful of its kind in the entire province.
“I have a high school background and I was involved in running clubs at the high school level for several years before coming to Osoyoos,” said Rowland. “Ryan and I talked about starting up a running club at this school and three years ago we had four or five classrooms involved. Last year, we had nine classrooms involved and this year we have students from 11 classrooms involved.
“We have close to 250 of our 300 students actively involved in our running program. It’s quite a site to see and we’re very proud of the results.”
The program runs every Tuesday and Thursday morning for eight weeks following the annual March Break, said Rowland.
The program will conclude with the annual Osoyoos Elementary School Community Fun Run, which will take place on Sunday, May 24.
More than 250 students and a large number of staff are expected to participate in this year’s run, with all members of the community invited to join in the five kilometre and 10-kilometre fun run.
Money from that event will go towards the new school playground and Grade 7 year end high school transition activities.
“Our hope is to get as many members of the community involved in the fun run as we possibly can,” said Rowland. “Our Parents Advisory Council has become involved and there will be a barbecue and family events organized after the run, so everyone is invited to attend our event on May 24.”
The idea behind organizing a Learn to Run program for young students was not only to promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle, but also to teach young people how to run properly, literally, so they don’t learn bad habits and risk personal injury, said Rowland.
“We teach them about pacing and proper running techniques and to wear proper shoes and equipment,” he said. “We feel if we can get them interested in fitness and promoting a healthy lifestyle at an early age, the hope is many will continue and join other running clubs or get involved at the high school level.
“It’s about promoting fitness and teaching them proper technique so they don’t get injured.”
Many of the students involved in the Learn to Run program will benefit with better results in the upcoming regional track and field championships for elementary school students, said Rowland.
Students who are more physically active tend to concentrate and retain knowledge better than those who don’t, he said.
“There’s a direct relation between healthy exercise and helping students learn,” he said.
Principal Dave Foster has been a great supporter and gets out to run with students on a regular basis, as do several other staff members.
Anyone wanting more information about the fun run can contact the school or show up to register for the event before 9 a.m. on May 24.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
