CBU Athletics relaunches CAPERS in the Schools Program

With thanks to the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education (CBVRCE) Active Healthy Living Department Head, Brian Tierney, and Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Recreation Sport Consultant, Jonathan Penny, the CBU CAPERS were able to relaunch the CAPERS in the Schools Program. This initiative sees our outstanding student-athletes leading fun, energetic, and inspirational physical literacy and sport sessions in local elementary schools across our community.

The Athletics Department lead on this project is Head Coach of the CBU Men's Soccer program, Deano Morley. "We kicked things off at Donkin Elementary School where 70+ students from Grades 2–5 took part in an action-packed session focused on movement, agility, teamwork, and sport skills — all led by our varsity CAPERS," he shared when asked about the relaunch of the program. "It's incredible to witness the passion, joy, and genuine connection in the room. It is great to see current CAPERS inspiring and influencing the next generation."

Brian Tierney was all in when Coach Morley introduced the idea to him. "We are grateful to work alongside CBU Athletics and CBRM Recreation to create experiences that inspire healthy, active lifestyles and genuine connections for our students and we're excited to keep this momentum going across our schools," he stated. "Seeing students engaged, moving, smiling, and connecting with positive role models in their schools is exactly what Active Healthy Living is all about. Programs like CAPERS in the Schools highlight the power of partnerships and the meaningful impact student-athletes can have when they give back to their community."

Jonathan Penny was quick to join in on the project. "Being able to deliver free, accessible, quality community programming through valuable partnerships is what the program is all about," he replied when asked about the importance of this program. "Removing barriers for youth participation by taking the program to the participant and giving youth the opportunity to grow through physical literacy and fundamental movements, CAPERS in the Schools is really something special to be a part of."

The team will visit a few more schools on Friday mornings for the next few weeks as we aim to reach hundreds of elementary children and provide them an inspirational experience with sport and physical literacy. CBU Athletics is grateful to our partners, CBVRCE and CBRM Recreation, for helping bring this quality program back to life.