It’s the start of a new year, and for many people that means it’s time to renew last year’s resolution to get more exercise. There are some important dates coming up in January that can help you make good on those intentions to live a healthier lifestyle.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has released the new recreation guide for 2016. New this year is the Trek Up the Coast Challenge that was set to start on Jan. 4 and runs until April 3.
Trek Up the Coast is a challenge open to anyone using an SCRD recreation facility. Participants earn two kilometres per visit, with the ultimate goal of completing 54 km – the distance of a virtual trip from the Gibsons and Area Community Centre to the Pender Harbour Aquatic and Fitness Centre.
Scores are kept on challenge cards available at SCRD rec facilities. After the challenge ends on April 3, the cards are drawn in a raffle for prizes such as a one-year SCRD MYPass membership and custom carbon fibre orthotics. Participants do not need to complete the 54 km to be entered in the draw.
Trek Up the Coast was created by Dr. Adam Zanbilowicz at Coast Podiatry in Sechelt to motivate his clients to keep active during the winter.
The Gibsons and Area Community Centre is offering several free trial classes starting with a cardio kickboxing class from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. on Jan. 8. There is also a Pilates class from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. on Jan. 12, followed by Kundalini Yoga and Meditation from 4:45 to 6 p.m. and Beginner Belly Dance from 7 to 8 p.m. both on Jan. 13. Registration is required and can be done in person or by calling 604-885-6801. See www.scrd.ca/scrd-recreation for a complete list.
Family Day is coming up on Feb. 8 with free admissions for families at certain SCRD facilities including the Gibsons and Sechelt arenas and aquatic centres.
“Normally what we do on special days like Pro-D [professional development] days, holidays, Family Days – things like that – is we usually ramp up our programs a bit and offer additional programs,” SCRD facility and program coordinator Tom Poulton said. “I don’t know exactly what the schedule times are for Family Day yet, but please stay tuned because there are family free admissions at SCRD facilities.”
March 18 is the last day of ice on the rink for the Gibsons Arena. The ice will be melted following the minor hockey league Midget A provincials hosted on the Coast this year from March 13 to 18.
Ice will be coming off the Sechelt arena in early April, according to Poulton.
