Calgary celebrates National Child Day with free children’s activities
In honour of National Child Day, The City of Calgary, along with United Way, is taking its first city-wide approach to celebrating and supporting children. Various events across Calgary are being hosted to celebrate children and promote action for their well-being.
To help promote children being active and staying healthy, City Recreation is hosting free swimming and skating on November 16 and 17 at various locations throughout Calgary. The public is also invited to come out to an open house at Wildflower Arts Centre on November 20, which will be showcasing children’s art.
“It is important to recognize the rights of children, such as the right to be active,” says Heather Cowie, manager of Business Services with Recreation. “A healthy lifestyle that includes activities like swimming provides opportunities to increase self-confidence and develop physical and social skills all while having fun. Opportunities every child deserves.”
Celebrating National Child Day is about celebrating children as active participants in their own lives and communities. It is also a day to remember that children need support, encouragement and respect to grow to their full potential – and we each have a part to play.
“Every child has the right to grow to their full potential,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “Giving young people a voice and investing in their future will build an even better Calgary for everyone.”
Children across the world need to have the basic human rights they are entitled to. Rights that include respect, access to programs and services which enable them to grow and develop and the opportunity to give their opinion in matters that affect them. To show your support, citizens are encouraged to wear blue on November 20.
“By wearing blue, you are supporting a child’s right to be heard,” says Lucy Miller, president and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area. “This year we’re taking a city-wide approach to National Child Day, with multiple child- and youth-serving groups coming together to celebrate.”
For more information on National Child Day activities and events throughout Calgary, please visit www.calgary.ca/Recreation or www.calgaryunitedway.org.
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