WinterKids Kicks Off Fifth Annual WinterKids Winter Games in Maine Elementary Schools Statewide
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Julie Mulkern, Executive Director
(207) 871-5700 x102 or (207) 671-4661
jmulkern@winterkids.org
January 13, 2022 – The 5th annual WinterKids Winter Games will kick off this month with 22 schools competing statewide to win a total of $50,000 for their schools! The Winter Games is a 4-week series of challenges in outdoor physical activity, nutrition, family engagement, and winter carnival starting January 17, 2022, and ending on February 11, 2022. This year’s Games will celebrate the Olympic Winter Games. The first annual WinterKids Winter Games began in conjunction with the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. The winning school will receive $10,000, second will receive $7,500 and third place will receive $5,000 in school-wide prize ceremonies. All competitive schools will receive a cash prize based on how they finish.
The Games will kick off with an outdoor Opening Ceremony event at the Mast Landing School in Freeport on Friday, January 14, 2022, at 2 p.m. Press is welcome and encouraged to attend.
During the last school year, WinterKids offered an adapted, play-along version of the Winter Games to accommodate remote and hybrid learners. This model was so popular; the organization is offering it again this year. All told, 3,800 children and 340 teachers will participate in the competitive track of the Winter Games for a chance to win cash, while an additional 8,000 students and 100 teachers will play along and receive incentives and a chance to win weekly prizes.
“We are thrilled to offer a fun, active way to engage all kids in outdoor learning throughout the winter,” says Julie Mulkern, WinterKids Executive Director. “This year, the Winter Games is focused on the Olympic Winter Games within the context of celebrating winter through outdoor physical activity, nutrition, family engagement, and winter carnivals,” says Mulkern.
Embracing outdoor learning helps to counteract the negative effects of excessive screen time – particularly for those in elementary school. WinterKids provides resources for both teachers and parents to get their kids outside and active. There is also a WinterKids Winter Games Facebook group for resource sharing and downloadable activities on the organization’s website at www.winterkids.org.
Let the Games begin!
ABOUT WINTERKIDS
WinterKids is the nonprofit organization that helps children develop healthy lifelong habits through education and fun, outdoor winter activity. The organization delivers innovative outdoor programs for families, schools, and communities. WinterKids’ Major Community Sponsor is L.L.Bean. WinterKids’ Supporting Sponsors are Agren, CMP, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, WEX, and WMTW 8 and The CW. The WinterKids Winter Games are made possible with support from Hannaford Snack Pals, Backyard Farms, Aroma Joe’s, Subway, MMG Insurance, and Kittery Trading Post. Learn more at WinterKids.org.