Doing Business
Springing into Summer Bike Rodeo
The Thunder Bay Police Criminal Investigations Branch Youth officers are bringing back the Bike Rodeo to promote bike safety sponsored by the Kids'nCops website. The website is designed for kids to go and post their art work, play games, access resources and chat with police officers about concerns they have about bullying or other issues. The kids sign up and have access to these features as well as a parent's page for resources about bullying and other issues facing kids today.The idea was to capitalize on bringing as many kids as we could in one place for fun, education and to let them know that we are around all summer to chat with. The bike rodeo will consist of 2 courses designed to test the kids' skills while they negotiate the stations which include the "Demon Driveway", " Rock Dodge", "Check your behind" for the younger kids (8-11 years) and a more challenging course for the older kids (12-13) which include the "Cone of Danger", and "Signal your intention" among other stations. The older kids will get two attempts on the timed course which will not only record their time but how safe they are in riding the course. There will be penalty minutes added to their time for knocking over pylons or not signalling properly while riding the course.
The Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay will also be present with their inflatable climbing wall and two other inflatables.
There will be a BBQ and each kid will receive a "grab bag" full of information and goodies from various sponsors.
$5.00 entry fee will get the kids a t-shirt and a chance to win prizes from a bike to other donated items.
Deadline date is June 1st and is limited to 300 kids. Entry forms can be found on the kids n'cops website at www.kidsncops.ca and must be dropped off at the police station with the money enclosed. There is a drop off mail box in the lobby for the entry forms.
More information can be obtained by calling me at 684-1275 or Sherry Heyder at 684-1211.
We are also looking for volunteers to help out on the day of the rodeo to lead the kids through the course and help out with distributing the grab bags or running the stations. High School students are welcome to come out for volunteer hours. They will also receive a t-shirt, lunch and a letter for their participation in the rodeo. They can also e-mail me at treynolds@thunderbay.ca to volunteer.
The rodeo is going to be held at the Community Auditorium Parking lot on Saturday, June 19th with a rain date of June 20th.
We are encouraging everyone to register early because spots are limited.
