The Richmond Kigoos Summer Swim Club launched Health Week Monday - a program actually consisting of two weeks of pool sessions, dry-land training, a triathlon and the Grouse Grind.
The events are supposed to combat a recent spell of physical inactivity throughout the country, which "has surpassed epidemic proportions in Canada and accounts for a significant portion of health care spending," according to Professor Ian Janssen in the journal of Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism.
Health Week promises to be crucial in establishing peak strength, endurance and discipline for regionals and provincials.
Organizers want swimmers to show up prepared and on time. All swim practices, the triathlon and the Grouse Grind must be completed in order for participants to be part of the celebratory dinner.
Tuesday morning began with a junior, intermediate and senior triathlon at 6 a.m.
Health Week ends Friday, July 27. For more information, contact head coach Fraser Roberts at [email protected].
CANADA SHINES AT YONEX
This year's Yonex Canada Open tournament saw great badminton performances from the Canadian team with three teams taking home bronze medals - men's doubles Toby and Derrick Ng, mixed doubles Toby Ng and Grace Gao, and women's singles Michele Li.
But it was Japan that dominated as one of the emerging powerhouses in badminton. In four of the five finals, Japan snagged gold.
Last week's tournament provided opportunity for preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games. The Canadian Olympic team is currently in London and poised to upset some favourites from China, Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia.
