Getting kids to move it

A Pointe Claire-run program aimed at getting West Island kids not normally involved in organized sports to be more active is making a big difference, according to a Kirkland mother.

For Maria Russolo, the mother of a 13-year-old boy who has taken part in the Kidnetic program, said his participation has not just provided him with more physical activity, getting him away from his computer for a while, but has blessed him with more assuredness.

“It has been a great program for my son,” she said. “He had issues with bullying and had social skills that were not quite up there. He met a diverse group of West Island kids there and he built up his self confidence.” Russolo said aside from the varied choices of activities her son was introduced to, from yoga to learning how to prepare sushi , she said signing up her son in Kidnetics has paid off more than she ever expected.

“My son is a fussy eater,” she said. “To get him to try sushi, well, he doesn’t usually eat his vegetables. He’s a different kid now, more sociable. He was afraid of failure before and now he’s full of self-confidence.” Russolo also likes the non-competitive aspect of the program. “It’s about letting them try new things and they can work at their own level. There is no competitiveness and the kids realize that, it motivates them to try it.”

Through the program, kids are introduced to sports that are not the main stream. So instead of popular team sports such as hockey and soccer, the kids learn fencing and boxing with the help of qualified instructors, said Tim Miller, section manger of Pointe Claire recreation department.

“It’s new things they haven’t tried, not the typical sports. Even if it’s more typical, like dodge ball, it’s not like it would be in gym class. It’s more fun than competitive, which is part of the motivating factor so they will take to different things and try something like yoga,” he said.

Participants also meet with a nutritionist regarding good eating habits and learn to do some cooking. They also visit a local grocery store.

Miller said Kidnetic’s target group is kids who are inactive and don’t play sports on a regular basis. The program offers kids an opportunity to try Pilates, karate and even hip hop dancing.

The Kidnetic program, which has been around for two years, is currently registering boys and girls between the ages of eight and 16 for its fall program which starts Sept. 29. The new session will have about 30 kids coming out twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., for 14 sessions. The cost is $150 for Pointe Claire residents and $170 for non-residents. For more information, call 514-630-1214.