Day Out begins at SMB

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The Be Active program continues with a Day Out – an initiative co–sponsored by Generali Worldwide Health Insurance, Cayman Insurance Centre, Red Sail Sports and Fitness Connection.

This past Sunday the first in this series of sponsored outings kicked off at Seven Mile Beach. More than 50 students were selected in a drawing at St. Ignatius Primary (the Be Active pilot school) to attend Day Out – an afternoon of instruction and play in various water sports.

Kids team up to play on the water trikes.

“It was a wonderful Sunday afternoon,” said Linda Chapman–Key, President, Cayman Insurance Centre. “The kids had an opportunity to try some new sports under the direction of coaches from Red Sail and Fitness Connection.

“This is all part of Generali Worldwide’s approach to health – to provide information and support for activities that motivate kids and families to make healthy choices in terms of exercise and healthy eating.”

Kids were assigned to groups and got first–hand experience with sea kayaking, water trikes, snorkeling and swimming.

Red Sail and Fitness Connection coaches worked in partnership to provide training and supervision for the kids who ranged in age from five to 12.

“These are the kind of partnerships we need more of in the community – businesses working with the fitness and health experts to get people moving, get them educated about how to be active and take care of their bodies,” said Laura Ribbins from Fitness Connection.

“Working together, we can get the message out that children and families need to come out and play together, teaching kids from the earliest age that exercise doesn’t have to be a burden, and that it’s not winning that matters, it’s having fun.”

Adventures at sea

A two–child kayak team swept back onto the beach after braving a wind that kicked up as they returned. Laughing and shouting with glee one of the pilots yelled, “Mommy, we almost reached Texas!” Giddy laughter and cries of excitement from all the kids at the new adventures they were embarking on echoed down the beach.

Giving kids an opportunity to try new activities in a non–competitive environment could mean more kids become and stay interested in sports for a lifetime.

Day Out and other events like it may not create world–class athletes, but could lead to a growing population of healthy, active children and families in Cayman.

Generali Worldwide and Cayman Insurance Centre will continue to sponsor Day Out at an additional 10 schools through the 2006 school year.

In late 2006–07, Generali hopes to partner with other organizations to continue to introduce program materials and activities in more public and private schools.

If you would like more information about the Be Active program and how your organization can get involved, please contact Jennifer Williams, program coordinator, jwilliams@pirms.com, or Cayman Insurance Centre, Generali’s local representative, 814–7236.