Go for 42 show how to do things
People often are quick to latch onto the negative when it comes to the administration of our city, our hospital, our police force and our schools: on what is being done wrong; on who is short-changing whom, or screwing this up, or doing that wrong.
But there is one area in the Miramichi in which all four of these administrations have consistently shone, and that is in the are of programs and efforts for the health and welfare of our youth.
The latest undertaking in which they were involved started Monday. It is called Go for 42. The 42 refers to a the 42.2-kilometres traditionally in a marathon race.
Under the direction of the Miramichi Running Club the event involves School Districts 9, 11 and 16, the Miramichi Police Force and the Miramichi Regional Hospital Association's Mango program, as well as several local businesses and service clubs, it involves students running a 42.2-kilometre marathon in segments, ending with a final 2.2-kilometre Mango Fun Run through downtown Newcastle on July 6.
"There are many different reasons why children get involved with Go for 42," wrote Clarissa Whitlock in Mango's Healthy Choices column. "Maybe it's because they come from a family where running is a nightly activity; maybe it is part of their physical education class at school; maybe it's the small colourful shoe tags they receive for completing a certain number of kilometres.
"Regardless of the reason, they participate in an event that results in their completing the equivalent of a 42.2-kilometre marathon — and reaping the big benefits that go with the physical activity."
Adds Mango coordinator Renée Frenette, "It is a two-fold outcome. Committee members reach their goal of increasing physical activity amongst our youth, and the children reach their goal of running a marathon all on their own. It's a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together to encourage our children to be active."
This year the event will reach out to over 5,000 students in the three districts, by any measure, a significant and impressive number of youth. Add to that number family members who get involved in helping their children take responsibility for taking up physical activity in their daily lives and the community outreach is even more impressive.
Perhaps Chief Earle Campbell summed the overall impact best when he commented, "Miramichi Police Force is a willing and enthusiastic partner in this great endeavour. By having our officers spend time with the children of our community, we are more than just running or walking with them. We are building relationships, setting examples and sharing in their environment. We are truly excited to participate in Go for 42."
Now, if our new mayor and council will just take a leaf from this proactive and constructive approach in the conduct of its affairs, we will truly be headed in the right direction.
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Go for 42 is a fine program and a credit to the volunteers behind it, but if we put the kids in $10 shoes it would be a failure.
We expect our local politicans to run the city in $10 shoes.