A group of students from schools across Toronto gathered to learn about the power of fitness through thoughtful discussions and, of course, heart-pumping exercises.
With a focus on community engagement, Exercise to Success empowers youth to become leaders who positively impact their communities.
“We always have the capacity to build connections, and build community through those connections,” said TDSB social worker, Richard Filler, who worked with this program since 2003.
The group of teens gathered at North York Civic Centre on their PA Day on Friday Feb 13 and started off the program by getting to know each other through a game of Human Bingo, then jumping straight into the exercise portion with butt kicks, squats and high knees while switching between counting aloud and chanting, “There is no limit!” to get through the tougher exercises.
It was enough to shake off the nerves and get hearts racing while feeling the burn together.
“The program is set up for everyone to see their strengths, not just physical strengths. The program drives reflection. It connects worlds that would have never connected and creates respect,” said Daniel Beard, a former Thistletown CI student, who works with Exercise to Success program alongside Filler 17 years later.
“Exercise is the driver of the program, but it’s the feeling of being connected through exercise, through struggle. It’s a bridge, people won’t trust you if you haven’t connected with them or struggled with them in some way.”
The program emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and is a part of the TDSB’s Mental Health and Addictions Strategy specifically supporting belonging, well-being, and mentally healthy school communities.
Participants in Friday’s program were teens from a range of diverse backgrounds and after the 45 min exercise portion, they sat down to learn from one another and discovered that even with their differences, they had a lot in common. They also discussed the importance of finding connections between each other and of course mental health, with a presentation from Aubrey Noronha from Hello Hope.
By creating a supportive and safe environment, the program encourages healthy attitudes and nurtures relationships, while helping participants accept opportunities that are necessary for their growth and success.
“Everybody has greatness in them, it’s just up to us to find it,” said Filler