Watch Students get bike or skateboard
Imagine going to school one day and returning home with a new bicycle or skateboard. That’s exactly what happened for a big group of students from Webb Elementary recently.
Students from pre-K through sixth grade with exemplary attendance and citizenship were awarded a new bike, skateboard, or ukelele thanks to a donation from Cand’AID, a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide tools and access to communities to increase active lifestyles.
The second graders recognized during their lunch period were wide-eyed with excitement as they saw a line of shiny new red bikes waiting for them.
“It feels cool because I’ve never had a big bike like this,” said Webb second grader Emanual G.
The fourth and fifth grade students squealed with excitement as they chose a skateboard and then got a lesson from Cand’AID and Square State Skate representative Brian Ball.
“I’m excited to be here,” Ball said. “We will have some instruction to make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident on these [skateboards].”
Ball demonstrated several skills in the tutorial, including the proper technique to get on and off a skateboard as well as how to consistently push off for continued motion. Smiles and laughter filled the gym as each student tested their abilities on their new gifts.
“It was fun talking about skateboards and how to ride it,” said fourth grader Detrix J. “It will help us by not sitting on your phone, actually going outside, and riding it. It’s a fun activity.”
Cand’AID’s marketing manager Abbi Arneson loved seeing the smiles on the Webb students’ faces.
“There is always so much excitement,” Arneson said. “Most of the time for the kids, it’s their first skateboard, it’s their first bike. Often times it’s their first bike without training wheels, so it’s a really exciting surprise for the kids.”