Middle School students and teachers laced up their shoes in support of cancer research and the 35th Anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope.
“It was a fun day,” said Arts Coordinator Randi Berman, who put the event together. The run was only one part of the afternoon’s activities. The event started with a Middle School Gathering in Yuill Gym where they watched a documentary on Terry Fox.
In their Advisory groups, each student designed a special running shoe, which they placed on a mural in Rogers Hall. “The shoes included words of encouragement, hope, and motivation along with names of those they were running for,” said Sabrina D’Angelo, Director of Middle School.
When the colourful mural was complete, the boys took to the Yuill Family Field for a quick warm-up followed by a run/walk. As a finale to the day, the boys participated in a three-legged race. “I was so proud to see so many of the boys putting forth such a strong effort,” said Mrs. Berman.
A few days later, grade 9 and 10 students teamed up with St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School for their Annual Saints Day and participated in team building activities while also raising money in support of the Terry Fox Foundation.
The students were encouraged to gather loonies and toonies and together raised $1,645 for cancer research. “It was very successful and I hope to see this become an annual event,” said Mrs. Berman.
Terry Fox was diagnosed with cancer at age 18 and in 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he started across the country to raise money and awareness for cancer research. While he never finished his race, he ran for 143 days, spanning 5,373 km.
Story by Nicolette Fleming
