Saturday's Megathon at the H2O Centre was a fundraising hit for the Kelowna Family Y.
About 250 people participated in fun fitness challenges, bringing in more than $19,000 for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The effort gives local children in financial need the opportunity to access Y programs like child care, swim lessons and camps.
Bob Hansen was motivated to walk five miles after double-bypass heart surgery last September.
“Exercise almost becomes an addiction,” says Hansen. “I thought ‘hey, I am going to Megathon today…’ I was excited about it.”
A participant named Jason learned to swim for last year’s Megathon event, and successfully completed the triathlon challenge. Dressed in his Y Guy hero costume, Y staff member Sang ran with Jason for the last nine laps, encouraging him on.