A SHARED passion for skating has allowed Hastings dad and skateboarding coach Craig Mitchell to spend quality time with his three children – Riley, 13, Kobe, 10, and Indy, 6.
Fort the past five years they have been regulars at the YMCA skate parks on the Mornington Peninsula.
“We’re a skating family and the YMCA and its skate facilities have given me and my kids a place to have fun, keep active and create lasting memories,” Mr Mitchell said.
“I’m also heavily involved with the Y’s skateboarding programs and coach around 100 kids a week from all over the state. The benefits of skating are priceless: it keeps kids away from electronics, builds confidence, develops balance and coordination, and is great for mental and physical health.
“I strongly encourage other dads to get involved with their local Y if they haven’t already.”
This Father’s Day – Sunday 1 September – the YMCA as part of its Remind Yourself Y campaign is offering dads free pool and gym access across 33 centres in Victoria in the hope they will consider making them a regular space to hang out with their kids.
“This Father’s Day, we want to celebrate all dads and father figures for the incredibly important role they play as a parent by offering them the opportunity to visit their local Y for free and spend valuable one-on-one time with their children away from the demands of work and life,” YMCA Victoria CEO Carolyn Morris said.
Dads can register their interest via the YMCA website.
