by Sylene Argent
Local families were able to bring along a towel, a pool noodle, and perhaps a set of goggles to the Essex Aquatics Centre on Monday afternoon to enjoy the free Family Day swim that was offered to the community.
Windsor-Essex Communities in Motion sponsored the free swim in Essex Centre as a way to provide families with an opportunity to create memories and get in some exercise, all for free.
The free swim event proved to be popular in Essex Centre as it capped out, with 225 individuals taking advantage of the opportunity.
Youth, aged five through 13, were also able to enjoy the Nerf Ninja Battles for free as well on Family Day, which Pathway to Potential sponsored. This new program offered 30-minute slots for youth to enjoy games, battles, drills, and free-play, in an area where barriers are setup. Team and individual challenges are offered during the sessions, depending on the age group involved in each session, which challenged the participating youths.
Over 100 youths signed up to experience Nerf Ninja Battles on Family Day.
Cynthia Cakebread, Manager of Recreation and Culture for the Town of Essex, was pleased with the turnout at the Family Day activities.
“People really embrace the Family Day idea. It is nice to have community partnerships [to support the free programming],” she said.
Draws also took place in Essex, which included a chance to win a regional prize through the event sponsors or a program prize in Essex.