Niagara Catholic District School Board

Earlier this year, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Elementary School learned they would receive a $5,000 grant from the Canadian Olympic Committee. They used the funds to sponsor visits from Olympic track cyclist Jackie Boyle on April 22, and Challen Rogers, captain of the Toronto Rock professional lacrosse team on May 7.

The visits are intended to inspire the next generation of Canadian athletes, and to introduce students to sports they may never have heard about or seen live. Boyle got more than she bargained for during the visit. Her session with the youngest students saw her challenged to a foot race by one of the students and a bike race against school principal Chris Zanuttini. The foot race went off without a hitch, but the bike race saw the two contestants wipe out on the first two turns en route to a tie as they crossed the finish line. Boyle finished with a smile on her face and a hole in her pants, where she slid on the hardwood floor.

Rogers mingled with students and gave them the opportunity to try Canada’s official summer sport. The visits were inspiring for everyone!