

Dave Weatherill hosted School District 22 pediatric occupational therapist Brittany Weber, one of eight specialists on the Student Support Services Team. Their dream is “that every student & staff member have access to the tools they require to learn, & that every child can engage & participate in the learning opportunities school provides.” Covid-19 has greatly exacerbated struggles of both students & teachers – there are many more requests for help, & needs are more complex. A more sedentary lifestyle also inhibits one’s ability to self-regulate our energy state, emotions, behaviours & attention. Brittany & other professionals believe a solution is the “Brain Bikes – Move2Learn” program, which aims to provide a stationary exercise bike in every classroom, & ideally, a “spin studio” in every school. The bikes are a tool, not a toy. High quality, low maintenance junior & senior sized bikes are available through Sparks – A Runforlife.ca Program at prices ranging from C$655 + tax to C$825, shipping included, depending upon size & quantity ordered. The Salmon Arm school district, in partnership with Shuswap Rotary, has a program underway. Brittany hopes to pilot a Vernon program through Alexis Park & Kidston schools, & invites our sponsorship. Dave believes this could fit well with our club vision, the Rotary wheel, & our Rotary Ride event.