Olympic Effect -- CHN MOVE.CHQ High School Internship Program -- CHQ Trail Program, Maps, and Complete Streets -- E-Bikes, Fat Tire, or Gravel Bikes -- Events to Keep Us Moving

Olympic Effect

The summer Olympics in Paris were an amazing time, and the excitement is still ongoing with the current Paralympics games. Many of our youth look up to these athletes and set goals to excel in the sport of their choice. Along with the fame of the Olympics and other professional athletes, comes the responsibility of how they are viewed and the example they set for our youth. On occasion, there are some negative stories. But overall, there are so many amazing stories of comradery, sportsmanship, perseverance and determination that can really hit home with many of our youth.

Some research in this area has shown increases in physical activity and sport participation prior to the Olympic games, but what are the long-lasting effects and interest for our youth? Do all homes watch or engage in the games or is this something we can introduce to our community youth? How do the Olympic and Paralympic games and the athletes participating really influence, motivate or inspire our youth? Perhaps outside of traditional research studies, we can do our own within our classrooms, gymnasiums, sports and activities.

Here are a few conversation and activity starters:

• If you caught any of the Olympics, this summer - what interested you?
• Are there any sports you would like to try?
• What do you think is challenging for the athletes as they prepare?
• What questions do you have about how they became involved in their sport, how they trained, what they eat, etc.?
• What is the history behind the Olympics?
• Have you watched any of the Paralympics?

Many of our students may have watched videos on social media and caught highlights and the big stories from the games, but those that did not engage could potentially benefit from learning more. The Olympics committee has many resources available that you can utilize here:

OVEP Resources (olympics.com)

Olympic Museum - For primary and secondary school educators (olympics.com)

ZOOM IN - OLYMPIC EDUCATION - Olympic World Library (olympics.com)

Sharing stories and events from the summer games can enhance various curricula such as PE, health, science and history. Some of the events that took place can also fit well with SEL programming, sports teams, school events, and before and after school programs. Below are some additional links with more information on the Olympics:

All you need to know about impact and legacy at Paris 2024: for the people, for the community and for the environment (olympics.com)

Association between Olympic Games and children’s growth: evidence from China - PMC (nih.gov)

5 lessons from the Olympics for kids | Dayton Children's Hospital (childrensdayton.org)

Does sports participation boom during (or before, or after) the Olympics? (theconversation.com)

14 Engaging Classroom Activities Inspired by the Olympics (quickschools.com)

CHN MOVE.CHQ High School Internship Program

Chautauqua Health Network (CHN) would like to acknowledge Elise Riedesel, Quinn Putney, and Liam Swan for participating in the inaugural MOVE.CHQ internship program this summer.

The students, who were all members of the Chautauqua Lake Central School District, put together extensive lists of information regarding local vendors, venues, and advocates/association groups pertaining to specific physical activities that any individual can take part in all throughout the county.

Move.CHQ is an initiative of CHN that is designed to promote physical activity at multiple community levels. MOVE.CHQ champions policies that support physical activity, which in turn helps to decrease obesity rates. These policies include active transportation and complete streets. A major aspect of MOVE.CHQ also includes promoting the usage of the large number of trails throughout Chautauqua County and promoting physical activity in local school districts throughout the county as well.

Physical activity is a powerful tool to address chronic disease and CHN will remain committed to these efforts moving forward.

Thank you and great job Elise, Quinn, and Liam!

CHQ Trail Program, Maps and Complete Streets

Trail program: This past Spring, the Chautauqua County Department of Health along with Chautauqua Health Network partnered to bring a pilot elementary trail program to two elementary schools - Chautauqua Lake and Sherman. Details coming soon on an opportunity for all schools to get out on the trails and MOVE!

New trail work: Friends of the Chautauqua Greenways recently opened the updated Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail in Panama and Brokenstraw State Forests. The trail was updated with a few new routes and increased drainage. Who is Fred Cusimano?

Fred Cusimano is known as the father of the Chautauqua County Park System and served as the first Chairman of the Chautauqua County Parks Commission during its first ten years. Please go enjoy the trail and see all the new work and improvements!

The county has also released the new Chautauqua County trails map at chqtrails.org. This is best viewed on your desktop or laptop. In addition, we have updated maps in the Avenza map application. This can be downloaded from either the Apple or the Android app stores. Lots of ways to get out and enjoy our amazing CHQ trails!

App Features | Avenza Maps

E-Bikes, Fat Tire, or Gravel Bikes - So Many Options!

The sport of cycling has expanded in so many ways over the years. Why are these new types of bikes gaining popularity?

E-bikes offer a great way for people to try biking, build endurance and use with or without the motor. It's always a great way to get a dose of fresh air. What are they exactly? An electric bicycle, or e-bike, is a motorized bicycle with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion/especially on hills! If you are looking to ride every day for enjoyment, your commute, get back into shape or are new to cycling, an e-bike could fit your needs!

Fat tire bikes are great to help with balance, varied terrain, and seasons. Gravel or cross bikes give the option of road or a little off road (not for technical mountain or trail biking). These bikes give you options for when the weather or terrain is not acceptable for regular road cycles.

What about bikes for youth and older adults or those with special needs? Its best to consult with a cycle specialist and also be aware of the persons fitness, skill and comfort level, and goals. Proper fitting on a bike is a must to provide comfort and prevent injuries to ensure sustained use.

Biking events, rides and clubs - website links and also available on Facebook

LOUD Performance events and rides: Trails at Loud (loudperformance.com)

Pearl City: Home | Pearl City Cycle

Western NY mountain biking association: Western New York Mountain Biking Association - Join Today - WNYMBA

Upstate cycles: Events page | UC (upstatecycles.net)

Northeast, PA wine fest ride 2024 info and registration: Tours – Lake Country Bikes

The 20 Popular Types of Bikes You Should Know (bikexchange.com)

Events to Keep Us MOVING!

Does your school or organization have an amazing event you would like to share? Let us know and we will help you promote it!

Glow Your Mind 5K Run/Walk or Virtual! (runsignup.com)

• The Glow Your Mind 5K Run or Walk is being put on through a collaboration of the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County, Chautauqua Tapestry, and Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene.
• 100% of the proceeds stay local in Chautauqua County and will be used for suicide prevention efforts.
• Turn on some cool tunes... Run or Walk... Help Fight Suicide. 
• LOCATION CHANGE: Jackson Taylor Park, 11th & Washington, Jamestown.
• Registration is 5:15pm-5:55pm, race from 6pm-7:15pm, awards at 7:30pm, After Glow Party/post-race celebration 7:30pm-?

Yeti Dash 5K Run & Walk (runsignup.com) Registration and check-in will be held in one of the pavilions at Ellery Town Park.

• Online registration will end at 11:59 am on Friday, Oct. 18.
• T-shirts are only guaranteed to those who are registered prior to Sept. 27.
• Day of registration will be open from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. T-shirts and goodie bags are not guaranteed for the day of registration.
• Overall male and female finishers will receive prizes.
• Top 2 finishers for each gender age group will receive a prize (5 year age groups).
• First 100 finishers will receive a finishers medal.
• Net proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society in support of breast cancer research, programs and services.

CHQ Trailblazer Challenge (runsignup.com)

• Welcome to the CHQ Trailblazer Challenge — a 5K obstacle adventure like no other! Get ready to immerse yourself in the great outdoors and tackle a course that blends the thrill of overcoming obstacles with the beauty of nature. Many of our obstacles are handcrafted, making this a one-of-a-kind run! From the moment you leap past that starting line until you triumphantly cross the finish, prepare to have an amazing time, and create new friendships along the way!
• All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt of their size if registered before Sept. 30th and a CHQ Trailblazer Challenge Soap medal! Post race refreshments and awards ceremony will be held in the banquet hall at the Chautauqua Golf Course.
• Proceeds from this event will be used towards ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the CHQ Trail, a free community resource to the residents and visitors of the greater Chautauqua County area. Learn more about the CHQ Trail at CHQ Trail



SQUIRREL SCRAMBLE

• Calling all squirrels! Welcome to the thrilling world of the Squirrel Scramble! This exciting race is designed specifically for our energetic young participants, ages 5—12, who are ready to embark on a wild adventure. Picture a fun-filled course that combines agility, teamwork, and loads of excitement, all while embracing the spirit of the nimble and playful squirrel. 
• All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt of their size if registered before Sept. 30th and a unique Squirrel Scramble participation trophy. Post event games and refreshments will be held in the banquet hall at the Chautauqua Golf Course.

This e-newsletter is for any group or anyone who wants to maintain or become more active in Chautauqua County. We'll discuss what's being done to connect communities to physical activities, improving health and wellness and overall quality of life in the Southern Tier; please forward this email freely!

Your feedback is important. Drop us a line and let us know what you want to hear more about.