Friendly competition (8 photos)

Chilly temperatures, wind and blowing snow didn’t stop Algoma District School Board (ADSB) students from enjoying the third annual ABCD Bon Soo School Olympics Thursday.

Project ABCD (Action for Building a Community that is Drug-Free) was launched in 2009 by the Algoma District School Board and community partners to combat and prevent substance use in schools.

Thursday’s games included 10 teams from five schools drawn from the ADSB area, including Central Algoma Secondary School and, for the first time, Chapleau High School.

This year’s fun took place immediately west of The Machine Shop.

“It’s amazing because we have more space and we have the inside of the facility (The Machine Shop) to warm up and have lunch,” said Marcy Bell, ADSB superintendent.

Mr. Bon Soo was on hand, along with sponsors from TD Canada Trust and representatives from Algoma Public Health, Algoma Family Services and the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.

Events included snow soccer, broom ball, tug of war and snow bowling (throwing snow balls at bowling pins) and a "Healthy Holla" cheer.

Medals were to be presented to participants at the end of the day's activities. 

“This is important to get our kids moving and outdoors and enjoying each others company without those other influences, making healthy choices, and there’s school spirit and friendly competition,” Bell told SooToday.

“It’s nice to have the opportunity for students to not only play with the local schools but also the outlying areas, and also to really pass along that message of healthy fun to all our schools,” said Karlee Reece, ADSB student trustee.

“I think this is important because it shows camaraderie between all schools, teamwork and friendly rivalries, but it also really shows these young adults that you can get outdoors and enjoy our Canadian climate and you don’t need to use drugs or alcohol to have a good time,” said Benn Fisher, ADSB student trustee.