Do More Mondays - #167 - Jumpstart

When I was a kid raised in Scarborough - before it was amalgamated by Toronto - the city had a lot of recreational day programs.  My parents would sign up my brother and I during week-long school breaks and it'd more or less be sports all day.  I remember frequent drives to sport centres and the dark purple t-shirts given out.

I'm not terribly good at sports nor do I follow with many.  As a kid I was put through swimming, cycling and ice skating; day camps focused on team sports like basketball, indoor hockey and soccer.  Currently I love tennis and running - I've rock climbed and played squash in the past.

Exercise is as important as being diverse in those activities.  Routine can become stale and reduces effectiveness in other parts of the body.  The social aspect is also important as it develops roles, teamwork, competition and friendship.

That is why this week I'm making a donation to Jumpstart ~ giving kids a sporting chance.  They are a nationally registered charity that helps kids from financially disadvantaged families (ages 4-18) to participate in organized sports and creation across Canada.  Jumpstart covers registration, equipment and/or transportation costs.  They help build kids self confidence, self esteem, leadership and direct them towards a better future.

I challenge anyone to do more.