Ten years is a lot of commitment and doctors in Nova Scotia are already looking forward to the next 10!

10 years and running

We’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of our Kids’ Run Club, a free running program for schools in Nova Scotia. As the first medical association in Canada to offer this program we’re proud to celebrate its success with all those who’ve contributed to it!

Doctors, youth, parents, coaches, and schools in rural and urban communities have been working together to keep youth active in Nova Scotia for the past ten years. More than 250 schools, spanning the entire province, from Arcadia Consolidated Elementary in Yarmouth to Sydney River Elementary in Cape Breton have implemented the Doctors Nova Scotia Kids’ Run Club.

Out of over 250 schools across Nova Scotia that have participated to date, 22 have been with the program since its inception in 2004, and are still going strong.

Girls-only program here to stay

This year not only marks the 10th anniversary, but it’s also the first year for the girls-only program. The girls-only program uses the Kids’ Run Club as a foundation with an additional focus on issues affecting girls. Some of the benefits of the girls-only program include increased self-confidence, the promotion of positive body images, and a non-competitive approach that celebrates personal achievement. 

The girls-only program is now being offered to junior and senior high schools across Nova Scotia.
Last year’s pilot project included close to 200 girls from 10 different schools, and with the unanimous encouragement of both coaches and participants, has been added as a permanent option under the Kids’ Run Club program.

In a survey of the pilot program:

• 100% of the girls in the pilot said they enjoyed the program, felt supported by peers, would participate again, felt their fitness and running improved and planned on continuing running after the program ended. 

• 90% said they felt more comfortable because it was for girls only.

Award winning program

Doctors Nova Scotia has won two national awards in recognition of its Kids’ Run Club, including the Ron Draper Health Promotion Award from the Canadian Public Health Association, and the Health Promotion and Innovation Award of Excellence from the Canadian Institute of Child Health.

National leader

Until last year, Doctors Nova Scotia was the only medical association in Canada to offer a youth running program for schools, at no cost. We’re thrilled to announce that last year the Alberta Medical Association in collaboration with Ever Active Schools adopted the Kids’ Run Club model and has since implemented the program in schools and community groups across Alberta.

About the Kids’ Run Club

The goal of the Kids’ Run Club is to contribute to a healthier Nova Scotia through instilling the importance of regular physical activity and healthy eating in youth so that they form habits that become part of their everyday lives as adults.

Last year, more than 17,500 young runners from nearly 260 schools across the province took part.
The program is successful for many reasons, but most notably the support of communities, schools and volunteer coaches that make the opportunity possible for youth in the province to take steps toward a healthier life through running.

Celebrate with us!

Doctors Nova Scotia shares the celebration of the Kids’ Run Club’s 10 year milestone with the school staff, parents and community members who make the Kids’ Run Club possible each year.
Celebrate with us on Twitter and Facebook! Tell us why you love the program or show your support to help us keep the program going strong!

Register your school today!

To register for the Kids’ Run Club or to learn more, visit www.doctorsNS.com