A team of 17 students from Thorncliffe Public School has place fifth among 24 teams competing in the finals of the Running and Reading Club competition at Guelph University. The Running and Reading Club is a 32-week after school program that effectively addresses the need for enhanced literacy and physical activity among economically challenged children in the communities it services. The club is for elementary school children up to Grade Six and includes Junior and Senior Coaches who give time to the program weekly for the 32-week period. The clubs operate directly within local inner city schools and is run for two hours per week from October to June. The program takes children on an adventure that improves their physical, mental, emotional and social health, fostering discipline, goal-setting and literacy. Each week, children build their strength and endurance through running and fitness activities, receive individualized assistance in both reading and writing, and are given a balanced, energy-filled snack. The program culminates in the Start2Finish 5 Km Running and Reading Challenge and an awards ceremony recognizing each child’s achievement at the end of the school year. This year 17 students from Thorncliffe Park Public School along with nine coaches, including PC Stather of 53 Division made it through the program and attended the Challenge hosted at Guelph University. All of the children completed the 5k run and placed 5th among the 14 schools that attended. They also placed fourth overall in the Reading and “Jeopardy” portion of the Challenge. With parts from 53 Division TPS.
