Maxville students are pumped for sports

Randi Belec

MAXVILLE – Students at Maxville Public School are pumped for the new activities coming their way. The Maxville Public School in North Glengarry received a $10,000 grant from the Royal Bank of Canada for physical fitness.

The grant is part of RBC Kids Pledge, a commitment by RBC to donate $100 million to help children and youth across Canada. Maxville Public School applied for the grant last March, in proving a link to the community and teaching kids to play. On Jan. 28, 2015, a representative from RBC came to present the official cheque.

“I’m very, very excited about giving our students the opportunity to participate in local programs and to help prepare them for a lifetime of activity,” said Krista Mano, Maxville Public School Principal. “It’s also giving our students the opportunity to use area facilities and to build a stronger sense of community.”

The school is bringing in many new activities for the children to try, and experience, as well as many old favorites. The funds will be used to purchase new indoor curling equipment, bring in qualified instructors and bring the children to community facilities such as the Maxville and District Curling Club and the Maxville Sports Complex.

“The kids are very excited to attend different activities and to have qualified instructors working with us as well.” says Mano.

Mano expects the increase in physical activity and opportunities to help the students during class time as well.

“From research we know kid’s activity increases student achievement, they are more attentive and on task, achieving well in our schools.”

While the grant money is for this fiscal year, Mano has plans to keep the activities going throughout the years. She hopes to bring in volunteer instructors for zoomba, yoga and soccer, as well as keep up the trips to community facilities.