Agility, endurance, strength and speed are characteristics needed for most sports.
And Penholders can make each of these super-sized with a new superhero-training program being offered in town this spring from March 8 to April 23.
“I've seen it done in other communities in different capacities,” said Melanie Willerth, community program coordinator. “Lots of gymnastics and similar clubs do it but with a different focus.”
“My own son loves superheroes and loves to pretend to be a superhero. I thought it would be a fun activity to do (that is) sports related, that would pertain to how superheroes act,” she added, noting there are a variety of activities where children can use their imaginations.
“We do scooter works and they can pretend they're crawling along the side of a building; we do climbing on the climbing wall,” she said. “We do different activities where they have to catch villains and we do a lot of imaginative play incorporated in with the sports.”
In addition, Willerth noted the different aspects of superhero training that children learn.
“It also helps kids learn about how to be a superhero in their own homes. We talk about teamwork, listening to your parents, and helping out when they see someone's in trouble,” said Willerth.
The superhero-training program combines activities in the gym with games and crafts and is open to children between the ages of three and six. The program itself is broken into two groups and offered twice a week.
The five- and six-year-old program (maximum of eight children) will run on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6 p.m., while sessions (maximum of six children) for three- and four-year-olds go on Saturday mornings from 10 to 10:30 a.m.
“It's a great way to expel some energy, learn about teamwork and emulate the positive qualities of their favourite superheroes.”
Willerth noted this is not the first time Penhold has offered a superhero-training program, and pointed to two successful sessions at the multiplex – one last September and one in January.
“The programs ran really well. The kids and the parents both loved it,” she said, noting the positive feedback and fun children had in the program. “The kids would come dressed up in costumes of their favourite superheroes some days and seemed to really enjoy the program.”
For more information contact Melanie Willerth at the Town of Penhold [email protected] or 403-886-4567.
