After a year-long COVID delay, a free sports day for families on the North Shore is set to return next month.
Physiotherapist Reza Ghannadan started Get Out and Play four years ago to give more opportunities for North Shore families to do sports and activities together.
“I remember when I was in elementary school one of my favourite days was Sports Day. We just went out and all the kids played California kickball and soccer – and it was just the best day ever,” says Ghannadan.
“I thought it was a good opportunity for families to come out, get together and play, and make friends. It’s a really good way to promote activity and social bonding among youth.”
Registered families can expect events like soccer, bocce, obstacle courses for young kids, balloon tosses, three-legged races, Frisbee and more to participate in.
A dozen volunteers will be running the show, notes Ghannadan, adding that COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place, such as a capped number of participants, separated activity stations and hand sanitizer on site.
The event is open to all families, regardless of skill level, as the point is just to have fun, interact with neighbours, and promote physical activity, says Ghannadan.
“It’s just a fun-filled activity day and a really good opportunity to get people on the North Shore to come and hang out,” he says.
This year’s Get Out and Play will take place at the artificial turf field at Carson Graham Secondary, 2145 Jones Ave. in North Vancouver, on Sunday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit the event website for more information or to register, northvansportsday.com.