From Lismore to Whistler
Connor MacEachern connormac@thecasket.ca
Members of the Lismore March to the Olympics group Don Butler (left) and Scott Adamson are encouraging community members to exercise to reach their goal of 6,400 kilometres. (Connor MacEachern photo)
People in Lismore are walking, jogging and knitting their way to the Olympics. Members of the Lismore March to the Olympics program have been recording their time spent exercising since Nov. 29. Each active hour is tallied as the equivalent of two kilometres, while each kilometre walked or ran is recorded as one kilometre. The group hopes to reach 6,400 kilometres – the distance between Lismore and Whistler, B.C. – by Feb. 6. “Some people started at the beginning,” group organizer Don Butler said. “Others joined as we went along.” Group members range in age from a seven-year-old hockey player to a 90-year-old knitter, Butler said. “She’s more active than all of us,” he added. “She knits every night.” Butler said he came up with the idea for the group as a way to keep people active during the winter and increase awareness of the upcoming Winter Olympics. The group had raised 4,925 kilometres as of Jan. 7, Butler said. “We’re very optimistic that we’re going to reach our goal, even exceed our goal,” he added. Lismore sits 40 kilometres from both Antigonish and New Glasgow, so staying active in the winter can be difficult, Butler said. “Going to town for services and recreation isn’t always an option.” Butler has gone for a walk each morning since Nov. 29. He said he and other participants have made daily exercise part of their routine. “It’s changing our lifestyle for the better.” Most group members were active before joining the campaign, but almost everyone is exercising more regularly, Butler said. The group will host a celebration at the Lismore Hall Feb. 6 to mark the opening day of the Olympics and reveal the total kilometres covered, Butler said. Local Olympic torchbearer Nicole Johnson will be on-hand, and visitors can participate in a lottery to guess the total number of medals Canada will win. The afternoon will include a three-kilometre walk and culminate with a potluck supper. Based on this program’s success, Butler said he may organize a similar activity next year, coinciding with a different event. For more information, contact Butler at 926-2086. >> Return to articles main
Read comments
Leave comment
Share on Facebook
Printable Version
Larger text
