Community Organization: Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton
Program/Event: Dragon Boating Event
Success Story: Submitted by: Amanda Ring, Teen Outreach Coordinator, Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton
The Boys & Girls Club of Yorkton ran a Dragon boating event during the summer of 2016. We had youth between the ages of 13-18 join us to learn how to Dragon Boat. Once a week we went out the Yorkton Canoe and Kayak Club where we had an instructor teach us the skills we needed to be able to use a Dragon Boat.
We spent 2 hours out there each time we went. For the first half we would learn skills and practice rowing in the big boat to build on our group skills. We even learned how to switch sides of the boat while in the middle of the lake without tipping the boat.
During the last half the coach would allow the 
teens to use the single and double kayaks. The teens really enjoyed the time we spent out there and looked forward to going every week.
At the end of our season we were invited as a group to join the Yorkton Canoe and Kayak Club for their annual Dragon Boat Regatta. We spent a whole Saturday out at their club watching Kayak, Canoe and Triathlon Races. We even had the opportunity as a team to race the Dragon Boat against two other teams. Unfortunately we didn't win either time but the teens had a blast racing anyways.
The most exciting thing for me was that after being at the Regatta the teens are super pumped about next year. Some of them even want to join the club next summer so that they can enter some of the other races.
We would like to thank ParticipACTION for supporting our teens in this endeavor it was a great experience and has opened their eyes to something new that is physically active and a lot of fun.
The ParticipACTION Teen Challenge is breaking down the barriers that prevent teens from getting active. Working with community organizations we provide the support that teens need to find an activity that motivates them to get moving.
If you are part of a community organization, recreational facility, or a school that provides teens with the grounds, facilities, equipment, instructors, expertise or leadership to support a physical activity program, we want you to be part of the ParticipACTION Teen Challenge. Please register here to join the program and you will be eligible to apply for a Teen Physical Activity Grant – funds that can be used to get teens moving in innovative and motivating ways.
