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There's smiles aplenty at the annual Healthamongus event happening at Harewood Centennial Park this week. (Image Credit: City of Nanaimo)
physical literacy

Thousands of young students participate in longstanding Nanaimo event  

May 11, 2026 | 4:08 PM

NANAIMO — Well clear of 3,000 School District 68 students are taking part in inclusive, low-pressure events designed to get kids moving. 

Healthamongus, now in its 19th year, features elementary-aged students participating in various activity stations at Harewood Centennial Park’s artificial fields from Monday, May 11, to Friday, May 15. 

Damon Johnston, the City’s recreation services manager, said Healthamongus develops fundamental skills and physical literacy skills.

“I think the other thing that’s really important in terms of accessing recreation is around inclusion and accessibility and removing barriers, whatever those barriers might be, is another big priority for the event.” 

Harewood Centennial Park's East and West artificial fields were packed with Healthamongus participants on Monday, May 11. The popular annual event runs daily through Friday between 9:45 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Harewood Centennial Park’s East and West artificial fields were packed with Healthamongus participants on Monday, May 11. The popular annual event runs daily through Friday between 9:45 a.m. and 12 p.m. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Healthy snacks are provided as part of Healthamongus, which is a partnership between the City and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools. 

“One of the neat stories that we often hear from children is they’ve never been to an artificial turf field before, so being able to have this event at Harewood Centennial Park and showcase what an amazing thing that is really special,” Johnston told NanaimoNewsNOW

An estimated 3,600 kindergarten to grade five students are participating this year. 

Activities and games like soccer drills, basketball, freeze dance, and a variety of camp-style games are provided by City instructors. 

“We like to have variety, so the kids are, of course, having fun most importantly, but also movements that support different fundamental movement skills.” 

Healthamongus represents one of the heaviest subscribed events the City’s recreation department stages, Johnston concluded.

“When we open registration, it fills up very quickly, and schools make it a priority to get registered for it.”

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