Good shoes key to keeping healthy
Healthy lifestyles often depend on being able to afford a decent pair of shoes.
Sport Manawatu¯ ’s Active Families adviser Marcus Howie has seen participants on the programme struggle because they do not have adequate footwear.
‘‘It is simply crazy. We see so many kids at our programmes with crocs, sandals and bare feet because of the cost of buying a new pair of shoes.’’
That put people at risk of injury, if they could take part at all.
But for 11-year-old Kayne Garnter, the problem has been solved.
He is the proud wearer of a new pair of sports shoes given by the Shoe Clinic to support the Active Families programme.
‘‘It will help me to get better with my running,’’ he said.
Kayne’s family was referred to the programme on account of his 6-year-old brother Jayden, who has ADHD.
Aunty Debbie Kotlowski is the brothers’ principal driver, and her daughter, 12-year-old Fania, has also joined in the family effort to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
She said a pair of shoes would make a great difference. ‘‘It’s a big thing for the family, to think of spending a week’s grocery money on a pair of shoes.’’
Shoe Clinic director Nick Birchfield said it felt great to be able to contribute something to the community and help Sport Manawatu¯ ’s efforts.