A cross-government initiative launched to promote children's health brought smiles on the faces of many children here in Sudbury on Saturday.
The City of Greater Sudbury in conjunction with the provincially funded Healthy Kids Community Challenge packed in all the fun of a snow day without the chance of missing school.
Toddlers, children, teens, parents and even grandparents braved the frigid February weather to come take part in this year’s challenge of to "power off and play" at Bell Park.
“This year’s theme is very fitting as most of us spend lots of time in front of our devices and today the kids are able to just come outside and enjoy a variety of activities and get active,” Kate Barber, event co-ordinator for Healthy Kids Community Challenge.
The park was filled with children rolling around in the snow, petting llamas, feeding chickens, skating or taking pony rides.
“The children are not bothered by the cold, it seems like it doesn't affect them at all,” Johannes Nelmapius, a parent said.
Sudbury.com spoke to some children about what they thought was their favourite activities and almost unanimously the vote went to skating on the lake.
A free skate exchange van also ensured that all kids had a chance to skate.
For those who were starting to wind down from the fun-filled activities, a campfire and storytelling site was also available to help the children recharge.
For the parents this day brought back memories of their childhood.
“We are having lots of fun, I grew up on a farm with a lake and animals, every time we had a snow day we would go skate outside or play with the animals,” Julia Machendagos, mom of five said.
