The Boys & Girls Club will launch inline skating, also referred to as rollerblading, from 3:30-7:30 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the upper parking lot of the D.C. Canegata Ballpark in Christiansted. The “Family Skate for Fitness Afternoon” will offer one-hour instructional inline skating sessions for children and adults at a cost of $10 per person.
With safety being paramount for this activity, the Boys & Girls Club will provide all rollerblade skates, helmets, and knee and elbow pads. Skaters are asked to bring a baseball hat to wear under the helmet as well as a pair of socks. All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver.
Across the nation and territory, children generally do not exercise on a daily basis. This is a new and creative way to get children outside and engaged in physical activity. The program will be incorporated as a mainstay program within the St. Croix Boys & Girls Clubs’ health and life skills core programming for all club members, 6-18 years old. The goals of "Skating for Fitness" is to use inline skating to advance health and wellness, provide a new and engaging recreational fitness opportunity, and to educate children on the importance of proper nutrition. “We are pleased to introduce this new activity to the community and our club members,” said Julie Landreneau, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Virgin Islands. “Leslie McGuinness, a concerned educator, developed this program 16 years ago as a recreational vehicle to teach safety in a “cool” way and get her students moving. It’s the perfect addition to our growing list of activities to keep our kids active and motivated.”
Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the Boys & Girls Clubs offer 6-18 year olds guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. They are located in Christiansted and Frederiksted on St. Croix, and the Oswald Harris Court Housing Community on St. Thomas.
For additional information on the inline skating event or any other club program call 778-8990.
