Hello, My Name is Liam and the impact that Christie Lake Kids has had on my life has been profound and life changing.
When I was six, my mom took my brother and me to a shelter near Bayshore to live for a while. This was very hard for me, not knowing or realizing why I couldn’t see my dad anymore. I was sharing a room the size of a bathroom with my mom and brother, and it was a very hard time for me, made me very angry, and I didn’t know how to deal with what had happened to us.As luck should have it, when I was struggling the most, my brother and I were introduced to Christie Lake Kids and I was able to join the STAR Karate Program.
This was the first program experience I had and it opened up my eyes to the programs and to the possibilities of what I could do and be. You have to know, I was a kid who did poorly in school, could hardly sit still because of my ADHD and I always had teachers getting upset with me because I couldn’t concentrate.
I remember the first time that I showed up early at Karate, excited to participate yet scared that someone would get upset with me for all of my energy. One of the staff members told me that I could go into the gym early and that they would run some warm up laps with me that would help me to focus during the Karate class.
Want to know something cool? It worked.
I started coming early every week just so I could run laps with the staff and volunteers before our class started. I didn’t realize it at the time but their belief in me made me believe in myself and made me try harder.
Now we come to the present day. I feel very lucky that over the last (nearly) 10 years I’ve had the opportunity to be a Christie Lake Kid.
I have had an opportunity to get involved in STAR Skating and Hockey and go to Christie Lake Camp. I have also gained cool skill sets that are important and thanks to my participation in Karate for nearly a decade, I am very close to earning my Black Belt.
After reading that I’m sure you can see why we’re so proud and excited to be supporting the Christie Lake Kids STAR Program this year through The Good Health Walk.
Never heard of the STAR Program?
To learn more visit: http://www.christielakekids.com/inner_city_program.php#star
Their mission aligns perfectly with the purpose of The Good Health Walk – to empower people to take responsibility for their own life and health. Unfortunately not everyone has the opportunity or resources to take on that responsibility on their own… That’s why we believe the STAR Program is so important: It helps those children who need it most and removes the most common barriers that hold many of these kids back. And it’s all happening right here in Ottawa!
Will you help kids like Liam and join us on Sunday, September 13th for this one-of-a-kind event?
— Dr. Gibson
PS. Registration for The Good Health Walk is now open!
There are 3 different ways that you can participate:
- Walk 5km – Keep it simple and enjoy the beautiful parks and trails at the Walter Baker Park.
- Family Fun Challenge – What’s that you ask? Well…. it’s a 5km walk with some added fun thrown in! Every km there will be a station where you will participate in a physical challenge (appropriate for everyone!) Complete all 5 challenges and you’ll be entered into a draw to win a prize from one of our amazing sponsors.
- CrossFit Team Challenge – You’ll want to prepare for this one! After every km you will encounter a special WOD… so 5 in all, designed to test your strength, skill, and conditioning. Sign up as an individual and be placed on a team or put together your own team to challenge for the GHW Trophy, kool prize pack and of course… bragging rights!
Your registration fee includes:
- T-shirt
- Swag Bag (full of goodies!)
- Amazing BBQ feast!
- Prizes
- Tons of fun for the kids!
Click HERE to register ===> http://thegoodhealthwalk.com
Come and join us in a celebration of living the life we all deserve – one full of vitality, happiness and health.
Dr. Michael Gibson has committed himself to helping others to live the best life possible. After graduating with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, he received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree and Masters of Science in Chiropractic Sports Science from Life University. He is the co-creator of Life By Design, owner of The Wellness Group, and co-owner of CrossFit 613. His passion for empowering families runs deep. After experiencing the loss of his sister due to illness, Michael’s purpose became reaching and teaching as many as possible the foundational principles of an extraordinary life. Since that time he has passionately pursued and been successful in living out his dream. He maintains a busy family chiropractic practice, a full speaking schedule and finds time to implement the principles and practices of Life By Design in his own life.
