A SHARED passion for skating has allowed Hastings dad and skateboarding coach Craig Mitchell to spend quality time with his three children – Riley, 13, Kobe, 10, and Indy, 6.
Fort the past five years they have been regulars at the YMCA skate parks on the Mornington Peninsula.
“We’re a skating family and the YMCA and its skate facilities have given me and my kids a place to have fun, keep active and create lasting memories,” Mr Mitchell said.
“I’m also heavily involved with the Y’s skateboarding programs and coach around 100 kids a week from all over the state. The benefits of skating are priceless: it keeps kids away from electronics, builds confidence, develops balance and coordination, and is great for mental and physical health.
“I strongly encourage other dads to get involved with their local Y if they haven’t already.”
This Father’s Day – Sunday 1 September – the YMCA as part of its Remind Yourself Y campaign is offering dads free pool and gym access across 33 centres in Victoria in the hope they will consider making them a regular space to hang out with their kids.
“This Father’s Day, we want to celebrate all dads and father figures for the incredibly important role they play as a parent by offering them the opportunity to visit their local Y for free and spend valuable one-on-one time with their children away from the demands of work and life,” YMCA Victoria CEO Carolyn Morris said.
Dads can register their interest via the YMCA website.
First published in the Western Port News – 21 August 2019
