Coralee Oakes, MLA for the Cariboo North and Minister for Community, Sport and Cultural Development was on hand to watch children SOAR (Sharing Our Activities and Resources) at Red Bluff.
SOAR brings together teachers from a variety of sports to teach young children and get them active.
"Learning a sport is something that stays with a child for a lifetime," Oakes sid.
"Just like riding a bike, learning to swing a golf club or throw a curling rock sticks with you. That focus on skill development for lifelong benefit is what makes SOAR such a valuable program. Our government strongly encourages healthy, active lifestyles for all British Columbians. We want kids to develop confidence in their abilities and the SOAR program is a perfect fit."
On Monday, students learned the basics of tennis in the gymnasium. The lessons covered everything from holding the racket to hitting the ball. Lessons in other sports were planned for later in the week.
SOAR, a collaborative multi-sport delivery program created by British Columbia’s not-for-profit bodies representing golf (British Columbia Golf), tennis (Tennis BC) and curling (Curl BC), brings age-appropriate modified equipment to elementary schools to promote participation in each sport.
The program visits remote areas of the province at an affordable cost to schools.
Playing an integral role in continued sustainability of the program in the northern regions of British Columbia is the Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council.
Through a contribution agreement with SOAR, the council has made available key funding that provides the opportunity for SOAR to enter schools like Red Bluff Lhakto elementary at a very minimal user fee.
As a result of in-class introduction to the three sports, children experience and learn skills to use at local facilities within their community.