If there’s one thing everyone agrees on, it’s that youths need to move and be physically active. And this past summer, over 160 youths in care living in Montreal’s four youth centres had the opportunity to do just that.
Through the generosity of one of our partners, the SSQ Foundation, the youths were able to play sports at Université de Montréal’s Club Optimiste all summer long. With over 25 activities to choose from, there was something for everyone to get excited about.
The lineup included everything from water polo and flag soccer to circus acrobatics, yoga, and cycling, with all activities organized and led by students enrolled in Université de Montréal’s physical education program. As they interacted with the youths, the dedicated future teachers made sure they tailored the activities to the participants’ ages and interest levels.
The program was a resounding success, delivering a multitude of benefits both in terms of physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being and in terms of behaviour and self-esteem. The initiative, designed to encourage youths to lead healthy and active lifestyles, is a powerful example of how physical activity can fuel motivation and inspire youths to push their limits—in all areas of life.
