The Airdrie Sky High Twirlers (ASHT) baton twirling club will be hosting an introductory baton and dance clinic on June 19 as part of ParticipACTION’s Community Better Challenge.
The one-day clinic will be hosted thanks to a grant received by the national non-profit organization that aims to promote healthy living and physical fitness across Canada.
According to Taelyr Patton, head coach of Airdrie Sky High Twirlers, the clinic will be a “short and sweet” introduction to baton twirling and dance, offering participants a taste of what the sport is all about before considering enrolment in a more comprehensive program.
“I am looking forward to teaching twirling to beginners as it is something so unique and interesting,” she said. “Seeing their eyes light up when they master something new is a rewarding feeling.”
Patton added ASHT is just one of the many youth sports clubs across Alberta participating in the Community Better Challenge.
ParticipACTION's challenge encourages Canadians to get moving in an effort to find Canada’s most active community. Residents across the country are eligible to participate and all minutes tracked on the app and website in June are counted toward the community’s total score.
At the end of the month, 50 finalists will be encouraged to submit an application explaining why they deserve to be selected as Canada’s most active community. After the challenge has wrapped up, one community will be awarded $100,000 and the title of Canada’s Most Active Community.
In addition to a national winner, there will also be winners selected for the most active community in each province and territory.
According to Patton, baton twirling is a great way to get active, as the sport requires hand-eye coordination, strength, flexibility, teamwork, dedication and perseverance.
“Although it is a challenging sport to pick up, it becomes very rewarding,” she said. “It requires a lot of patience.”
Airdrie’s baton twirling club and parent-run non-profit organization has been recognized nationally for its efforts in developing young athletes to a competitive level. Many of the club’s coaches, athletes and alumni have competed nationally and internationally over the years.
“Baton twirling teaches the essentials of hard work that [participants] can apply to future endeavours,” Patton added.
The clinic will be hosted outside from 1 to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of Day Break Community Church. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, all interested participants will be required to pre-register online at bit.ly/3grh14u
ASHT will soon be offering registration for next season, Patton said, with classes planned for all ages and skill levels in the fall. For more information, email [email protected] or visit skyhightwirlers.com
Carmen Cundy, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @carmenrcundy
