FARMINGTON — They ran, lifted weights and did aerobics this fall as part of “EveryBody on the move in Franklin County,” a Healthy Community Coalition program designed to get kids moving.

The reward for their efforts? A morning at the movies Monday at the Narrow Gauge Cinema in Farmington.

A stroll around the parking lot was planned prior to seeing the movie “Frozen,” but after the winter storm left the parking lot covered in ice, Laurie Soucy from HCC decided to cancel the exercise.

Although about 30 girls and boys, ranging from first grade to high school from all over Franklin County were invited for their participation, only about a third came for the free showing, popcorn and water, perhaps due to the icy weather.

Students participated in programs offered at different places throughout the county, including schools and community centers, Soucy said. Some met once a week for a longer period, others two or three times a week for shorter sessions.

For 10-year-old Emma White of New Sharon, a part of the program held at the New Sharon Elementary School included playing games with other students and running, she said. She recently participated in a 5k with the Fit Girls group at Academy Hill School in Wilton.

Aliza Adams and Ryley Pease of Farmington worked out at the Fitness Center at the University of Maine at Farmington. They lifted weights, did aerobics and used exercise balls, Adams said. They also got into running this fall.

The good part is that most of the participants “had never done any organized physical activity,” Janis Walker of HCC said. Most are not involved in sports, she added.

“Not everyone is a super-star athlete, but every young person can have fun being active! EveryBody gives each kid and teen in Franklin County the chance to get out, get moving, and try something new,” according to the program’s Facebook page.

Other programs are expected to be held this spring and during the rest of the school year, Soucy said.

abryant@sunjournal.com

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