By Adam Donnelly

Kamloops Y celebrates 2017 Strong Kids Campaign breakfast

Feb 23, 2017 | 11:15 AM

KAMLOOPS — With rising costs for rent and groceries and wages that don’t keep pace, families sometimes aren’t able to give their children the opportunities they would like to. The Kamloops YMCA and YWCA can provide those opportunities for families who can’t afford to send their kids to camp or put them in after-school programs, through the Strong Kids Campaign.

For the teams who attended the 8th annual Strong Kids Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast, it’s by far the cutest moment of the campaign. JT and Juliet, the stars of the Y’s new Strong Kids video thanked the teams in attendance for their contributions. The event was also an opportunity for the Y volunteers, trainers, and Strong Kids Challenge teams to get together, share a meal, and check in on how the campaign is going.

“One of the fabulous things about Kamloops is the community does pull together,” Colin Reid, CEO of the Kamloops Y told CFJC Today. “We have a group of people who are representative of a variety of employee groups in Kamloops that are working hard… to raise some funds for this campaign… and working hard to improve their health.”

The Kelson Calorie Killers are taking part in their second Strong Kids Challenge. They held a steak dinner fundraiser at On The Rocks Pub last week, “…and we raised over $2200,” Team Captain Virginia Martin says.

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Martin’s personal fitness journey began with last year’s Y Strong Kids Campaign.

“The Y Strong Kids is what helped get onto a healthier path… Since I joined up with the Y Strong Kids last year, I’ve lost 92 pounds.”

While there are eight teams vying for the Strong Kids title this year, organizers have their personal favourites. According to Reid, the Broadcast Bandits are the team to beat.

Bandits trainer Michelle Nelson says her squad has a solid chance of taking home a trophy or two… as long they follow her lead.

“I think [the Bandits] for sure have a chance to win,” she says. “[They’re] very motivated… full of spunk.”

With just over two weeks remaining in the challenge, the Broadcast Bandits will need all that spunk and then some, if they hope to take home some hardware once the campaign ends.

If you’d like to donate to the Bandits, you can do so by clicking here.