The sixth annual WinterKids Winter Games wrapped up recently with 16 schools competing statewide to win cash prizes for their schools.
The Winter Games is a four-week series of challenges in outdoor physical activity, nutrition, family engagement and winter carnival. This year’s theme was “My Wild Winter.”
Competitive schools receive a cash prize based on how they finish.
All told, 10,000 children in all 16 Maine counties (and 13 other states) participated in the Winter Games between the competitive and play along tracks of the program, earning $30,000 in cash and prizes, according to a news release from Julie Mulkern, WinterKids executive director.
2023 Winners
• Gold medal: Leroy H. Smith School, Winterport, Waldo County — $5,000 (fourth year in the Winter Games)
• Silver medal: Williams-Cone School, Topsham, Sagadahoc County — $3,000 (first year in the Winter Games)
• Bronze medal: Rangeley Lakes Regional School, Rangeley, Franklin County — $1,500 (fourth year in the Winter Games)
“We are thrilled to offer a fun, active way to engage thousands of kids in outdoor learning throughout the winter,” said Mulkern. “We are so proud of all the teachers and students who competed and worked together to stay healthy and active during the winter months, and will continue their healthy habits year-round.”
Embracing outdoor learning helps to counteract the negative effects of excessive screen time — particularly for those in elementary school. WinterKids provides resources for both teachers and parents to get their kids outside and active with curriculum resources, toolkits and incentives.
There also is a WinterKids Winter Games Facebook group for resource sharing. Downloadable activities can be found online at winterkids.org.
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