KW Walking Classic Minds in Motion
The second annual “KW Walking Classic – Minds in Motion” is a premier event designed to showcase walking as an activity for the recreational to the competitive walker. The Walk also supports individuals with mental health challenges who are interested in becoming physically active. The link between physical health and mental health has been well documented and has proven to help deal with stress, depression, and anxiety. In its first year Minds in Motion raised enough money and was able to donate 72 pairs of athletic footwear to individual with mental health issues. This year their goal was to donate over 200 pairs. In addition to donating footwear, Minds in Motion’s goal is to help break down some of the stigma associated with mental illness.
While at a seminar last year in London, WOTCH’s Family Support Worker Sabrina Andrews heard about the Walk from the event coordinator Susan Lewis. She thought it would be a great activity for the Inspiring Recovery Together family support group as it would help improve their own health while encouraging everyone in their family to participate. From July – September on Thursdays at 4:45 pm, a small group of staff and family members met to walk and train for the 5 km race. More importantly – 13 people gathered on Sunday, September 27 at 7 a.m. in the WOTCH parking lot to participate in the event. Dressed in our “Minds in Motion” shirts and WOTCH hats we headed out for Kitchener to support a worthy cause!
At first it looked like it was going to rain but it was a perfect day for a walking race. It was a scenic route from the Kitchener Town Square through a quiet neighbourhood and all 13 members of our team crossed the finish line with ease. When the walking group started, the goal was to just complete the 5 km’s... but to everyone’s surprise we had four members receive medals for being top in their age category!
Thank you to all our family members and staff that have participated in the Minds in Motion walk. Sabrina is already planning for next year: “I am hoping that more people will participate next year and that this is an event that we can help cultivate within the mental health community of London. Maybe we can host our own Walk someday!”
Written by: Robert, Family Member
