The Bridge City Boogie in Saskatoon started in 2007 with 831 people taking part. By 2008 there were almost 1700 people in Saskatoon who took part in this event. This year had an overwhelming 4415 participating with another 545 volunteers to make sure the event went off without a hitch. This means just under 5000 people helped make this Saskatoon event possible and successful, almost at the 5000 goal that organizers had hoped for after 5 yearsÂ…and it is only year 3!
The Saskatoon Bridge City Boogie saw more than 4400 people of all ages and abilities running, walking, wheeling or being wheeled this year. Ages ranged from toddlers to the elderly and entire families participated in this Saskatoon Star Phoenix sponsored event. The rising number of participants means that people in our area are doing what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle while promoting community involvement. This is an event that makes it possible for everyone to participate, not like marathons and running events, so the turnout should increase each year. There were many healthy role models at this Saskatoon event for our youth to look up to, including some people who completed the 2, 5 and 10 kilometre events in their wheelchairs. Other role models are the parents and grandparents who are physically active and who are active with their children and grandchildren.
Not only is this Saskatoon event fun, it is also a non-profit event that raised close to $40,000 this year for 3 Saskatoon Charities; The Saskatoon Crisis Nursery, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Saskatoon, and Can-West Raise a Reader, which funds local literacy groups.
Out of the participants, 70% were female and 30% male so next year hopefully we see more men out there taking part in the Saskatoon Bridge City Boogie! The largest team was the Holy Cross Crusaders with 153 participants. Saskatoon Century 21 Conexus also had a team, but I am sad to say that I was not part of the Century 21 Conexus Bridge City Boogie team this year as I was busy with my Saskatoon open houses and selling houses for sale in SaskatoonÂ…2009 I hope to help add to those numbers!
Saskatoon is a great community minded city and I am proud to be a part of such a great city.
Kari Calder
Saskatoon Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd.