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Canora students of all ages support Terry Fox Run on CCS track

As a whole, CCS ran a total of 2,640 laps which is equal to 1,056 km during the Terry Fox Run in Canora

CANORA - Approximately 450 students from Canora Junior Elementary School and Canora Composite School, as well as a number of staff members, participated in and showed their support for the Terry Fox Run at the CCS track on Sept. 27.
Greeted by a sunny and pleasant fall day, the students were split into three groups: CJES students, CCS grades 5 to 8, and CCS grades 9 to 12, to run at different times of the day, according to Dustin Nielsen, CCS teacher and one of the organizers. 
"The purpose is to help raise funds for the Terry Fox Foundation which is obviously an extremely important cause in the fight against cancer," said Nielsen. "We hope that students understand that a lot of people doing their small parts can go a really long way."
The students were asked to bring a donation and those proceeds will be sent to the Terry Fox Foundation.
The CCS SRC (Student Representative Council) tracked every lap completed using little counters. "Groups had coloured clothing and ribbons so that we knew which grade that student belonged to," explained Nielsen.
In the grades 5 to 8 division, the Grade 6 group ran/walked the most at an average of 13.3 laps per person. The Grade 10s led the high school division with 11.8 laps per person.
"As a whole, CCS ran a total of 2,640 laps which is equal to 1,056 km," reported Nielsen. "We would like to send a big thank you to Leson's Funeral Home who provided every student from both schools with a piece of fruit."
The Terry Fox Run shines a light on the fact that just about everyone is affected by cancer in one way or another. Students were given stickers which said, "Terry Fox ran for me, I am running for..." and were asked to write in the name of the person or people they chose to run for who have been afflicted by cancer.
A group of Grade 10 students shared the names on their stickers. Lila Wilson said she was running for her grandfather Ronnie Wilson. Makayla Heshka chose to run for her great aunt and uncle Elsie and Gerald Boychuk. Sofia Tratch paid tribute to her grandmother Thompson, while Jessee Kopelchuk ran for her uncle Gerry Gabora.
When asked why they thought it was important to get involved in the Terry Fox Run, the girls' comments included: 
"It raises money for a good cause."
"It's a chance for students to get outside for exercise and some fresh air before the snow comes."
"The Terry Fox Run is something that brings the whole community together."
Sgt. Derek Friesen of the Canora RCMP Detachment joined the students for a portion of their walk.
"I believe it’s important for all Canadians, including the RCMP, to participate and show support for the Terry Fox Run as it promotes his legacy and raises money and awareness for cancer research," said Friesen.
According to information from terryfoxschoolrun.org, "Terry Fox represented the best that Canadians have to offer. He was an example of courage, humility, determination, and perseverance. From a young age he exemplified these attributes that made him an inspiration for not only Canada, but the entire world.
"You’ve probably been involved in the School Run or Terry Fox Run for a couple of years now, or maybe you are new to the experience. Whatever your level of previous involvement, the time is now to show your spirit and join the movement. Our next generation of students will be the ones to continue Terry’s fight and lead this worthy cause towards his dream of a world without cancer."
The website includes a quote from Terry Fox, "I wanted to set an example that would never be forgotten."