Kayla Pudrycki successfully attempts a heavy deadlift with support from Supplement World owner Dustin Shier. (submitted photo/janinedemers.photography)

By Nigel Maxwell

Healthy kids

Prince Albert flexes muscles for good cause

Nov 30, 2022 | 5:13 PM

A countrywide fundraiser that helps youth with autism or intellectual disabilities participate in physical activities was able to raise over $3,300 from the Prince Albert area alone.

The Move for Kids event was held Saturday at Goodlife Fitness and close to 30 participants got their pump on for the cause. Jessica Zurowski, general manager at the Prince Albert location, said she was happy with the results.

“I think everyone who participated really enjoyed themselves and it was nice to see people lifting more than they thought they could and it was just great seeing everyone cheering each other on,” she said.

MOVE by GoodLife Kids, is a free physical activity and fitness program for youth ages 12-21 with autism and intellectual disabilities. Youth participate up to three times a week, year-round.

According to a statement on the website, each year, thousands of kids and youth with autism and intellectual disabilities miss out on access to physical activities. Programs aren’t adapted to suit their individual needs, they aren’t in accessible environments, or they’re too expensive.

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Michael Cariman attempts a new bench press personal record. (submitted photo/janinedemers.photography)

The “lift” event Saturday in Prince Albert, featured a friendly weightlifting challenge, and was first of its kind. Participants attempted personal bests for squats, bench press and deadlifts. In the past the event has been done in a ‘spin for kids” format or due to COVID, was held virtually.

“Even if we don’t currently have a program in Prince Albert, we hope that fundraising one could potentially bring that to more cities across Canada, but also create awareness so that people can maybe participate online,” Zurowski explained.

The weekend event also included a silent auction table and close to 20 local businesses either contributed items or gave money.

“The support was overwhelming. I didn’t think we’d hit anywhere near $2,000, let alone going over $3,000,” Zurowski said. “The participation by my staff and by members was more than I could have ever asked for.”

Brody McDowell was among dozens of people to get behind the cause. (submitted photo/janinedemers.photography)

Working in collaboration with Goodlife, was Supplement World, which helped promote the event, and also donated a number of items for a raffle that went for $600.

“It was a really good time, everybody had fun and I really recommend a lot of other businesses take part,” store owner Dustin Shier told paNOW.

The annual Goodlife Fundraiser runs from Nov. 9 to Nov. 30. Donations can be made until 11 p.m. local time.

The national event total will be released the week of Dec. 12.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell