March 06, 2014 - 4:23 PM
Hundreds of heroes came together on March 1st for the YMCA’s first annual Strong Kids Megathon Event, raising $16,000 to date towards providing opportunities for local children in need.
This fundraising event is an action packed, fun filled day for the whole family with participants pushing themselves in various challenges including the ‘Big Lift’, ‘Swimathon’, ‘2 Hour Spin’, ‘Zumbathon’ and a ‘FlowRider Competition’. Activities were held at both the Kelowna Family YMCA and H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre with plenty of challenges for any age.
Some of the personal Megathon success stories include: an 8 year old swimming 80 laps or 4km’s in just over 2 hours; an older adult holding a plank for 10 minutes; a senior who had two heart surgeries, a knee replacement and a lung condition walked 2.5 km’s in the Walkathon; and, a non-swimmer reached his goal of completing the Triathlon Challenge.
Celebrating the YMCA of Okanagan’s Public Strong Kids Campaign, which runs from February 15th to March 15th each year, Megathon is intended to bring community members together for a great cause and to raise awareness and funds for Strong Kids.
The Y thanks everyone in the community who supported this event including the participants and hero’s, as well as donors and sponsors such as Old Town Market, Powerplant Bars, Melcor, Superstore, Beyond Nutrition, Wet Ape, Swimco and Big White. These generous contributions make it possible for the YMCA to nurture and grow the potential of local children and families.
In 2013 the YMCA of Okanagan was able to support 2195 Kids with Assisted Memberships, 178 families with affordable child care, and 201 campers were sponsored to go to Silver Lake Camp and Day Camps.
Donations for YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign are accepted year round. For more information or to donate visit ymcaokanagan.ca or contact Allison Ramchuk at aramchuk@ymcaokanagan.ca.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014