Start2Finish program aims to keep Saskatoon students active

We all want the best for Saskatchewan kids. And, while we can all agree on the importance of books and reading to ensuring our kids grow up with strong literacy skills, physical literacy seems to be a term that isn’t quite in everyone’s vocabulary. But, the folks at Start2Finish want to change that.

With after-school Running & Reading clubs throughout the country, including four in Saskatoon, the non-profit is helping to keep students physically and mentally fit by teaching them to stay active in different ways.

Melinda Brown, a Community School Coordinator with Saskatoon Public Schools, was involved in getting the Start2Finish program off the ground at Confederation Park in 2017. With extensive experience working with children from a variety of backgrounds, she knows how critical it is that students learn how to lead well-rounded lives that include physical activity. 

“Start2Finish has been a great asset to our after-school programming,” explained Melinda. “This program has increased student enthusiasm and eagerness to participate in sport and our hope is for students to carry on year-after-year.”

Each week, Running & Reading Club students and volunteer coaches go through a circuit of running laps and other exercises before playing different active games which can include jumping rope, juggling and relays.

The activities, which build team-building skills and communication, are also helping students gain other valuable character traits like grit, confidence and goal-setting that will help them succeed in other aspects of their lives. Students must journal their accomplishments and are also provided with reading support and opportunities to lead group reading sessions.

Current technology is incorporated throughout the program through tablets, time-tracking devices and a Summer Take-Home program that offers online fitness and reading tools.

With SaskTel’s support in 2017, Start2Finish was able to maintain the clubs at Confederation Park, Westmount, and Vincent Massey schools in Saskatoon, positively impacting the lives of 180 youth. This school year, SaskTel was thrilled to once again lend its support as the program made the exciting step of expanding to a fourth school in the city.

“These clubs are a way to prepare our kids for future success,” said Lindsay Mazenc, SaskTel Community Relations Manager. “With so many families unable to afford after-school sport or physical activity programs, Start2Finish helps to fill this gap in opportunity, while still addressing the need for enhanced literacy.”

Usually offered at schools and community centres with at-risk children, the Start2Finish Running & Reading clubs are provided at no-cost to students and their families. Clubs are open to students in grades 1-6 who participate in a 2-hour weekly program that culminates in a 5K Running & Reading Challenge event and award ceremony that recognizes each child’s achievement at the end of the school year. Last April, students ran the Saskatoon Police Half-Marathon to complete their challenge.

“We were so pleased with the number of student who attended,” said Melinda. “This was the first marathon for many of our students and it was inspiring to see them fulfill their goals and complete their challenge.”

The welcoming, positive atmosphere of Start2Finish clubs is engaging students and promoting a culture where reading and fitness are seen as fun, social activities. By learning the ABCs of physical and foundational literacy, these kids are gaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to lead healthy, balanced lives.

Start2Finish is always looking for volunteers and donations as demand for the program grows. To learn about the many different ways you can get involved, visit www.start2finishonline.org.