Since 2021, a coalition of community organizations, including Syria-Antigonish Families Embrace (SAFE) Society Town of Antigonish, Town and County of Antigonish, Cycling NS, and Positive Action for Keppoch Society, have united their efforts to deliver diverse youth activities. Their collective goal is to introduce children to the joys of skiing and cycling through engaging games and group-based activities.
These organizations work year-round to get kids aged eight to 15 on bikes and skis. To date, they have reached 70 kids through hop-on cycling and 40 kids through ski day clinics. In addition, 35 attendees joined the summer camp this past season and 30 kids are currently participating in the after-school program.
“The Town and County of Antigonish and Keppoch have provided the essential equipment for bikes and skis,” said Chris Gillham, Board Member of Keppoch. “They’ve been amazing partners on these initiatives throughout the years and have aided in reducing access barriers for the kids and their families.”
As the program continues to grow, organizers have overcome their fair share of challenges. With the help of partners, community volunteers, and funding from Sport Nova Scotia’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility grant, the program has resolved difficulties with securing transportation, facility space, and catering for participants during the summer camps.
As a result of last year’s success, the community is not only continuing the hop-on programming, but also expanding into Mabou, Cape Breton, with a wave of younger, trained facilitators leading the charge. While the ski days are weather-dependent, Keppoch Lodge is hopeful to continue running the program this winter. Next summer, there is talk of offering a higher-level mountain biking course because of interest and popularity of current programming, which is an exciting prospect for the Keppoch’s future.
“We see a lot of the kids biking around town now, and it’s awesome,” said Gilham. “Seeing the kids’ first moments on skis, a trail ride, and seeing them succeed and have a look of joy is just outstanding.” To learn more about these programs email info@thekeppoch.ca, to stay current on events and initiatives, head to their Facebook or Instagram page.
Positive Action for Keppoch success was made possible with the assistance of Sport Nova Scotia’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility grant. Check out our Sport Fund eligibility for more information about how Sport Nova Scotia can help support your community sport initiative.
