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The Caniadien Chamolon. Tuesdav. Julv 4. 2006 -A7 OEREK WOOLLAM / SPECIAL TO THE CHAMPION READY TO RIDE: Evan (Ieft> and Tyler get ready to take part in Track 2000's new Mud, Sweat and Cheers programn. Foster kids given chance to race By Steve LeBlanc CANADIAN CHAMPION STAFF Milton's Track 2000 is now in high gear with a program designed to iro- duce the thnll of racing to foster chil- dren throughout Halton. The local BMX facility la in the midst of its inaugural sertes of racing nights - dubbed the Mud, Sweat and Cheers prograrn - for youths with the Halton Children's Aid Society Roughly 30 riders - mainly ranging from il to 14 years of age - have corne oui for the first two sessions, with three more scheduled this summer. While still in is infancy the pro- gram - made possible through a recent grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation - bas already been met favourably by uts participants. "The instructors are really nice and it's a lot of fun racing and heing with my friends," said i 3-year-old Tyler. Added 13-year-old program-mate Evan, 'Ive made some friends here and arn having a lot of fun, especially witb the jumps and stuff." Bikes are on boan to the riders dur- ing Friday night sessions, with free instruction and refreshrnents provided as well - the latter by Miltons 2-for-i Pizza. The program la also supported by Norco Performance Bikes and FeIt Bikes/Spaso Sports lnc., which collec- tively will award two lucky participants with their own bikes during a season- ending draw in September. The fîrst recreational prograrn of its kind in Halton, Mud, Sweat and Cheers has received rave reviews from ail those involvcd, including Halton Childrens Aid Society executive director lina Blatchford. Its biggest benefit, she stressed, is helping children in foster and group homes realize that they're not alone. "There's a misconcepîlon about these kids. They're not bad lads, just kids who've had had things happen to tbem," said Blatchford. "That can make them feel different and strange, but this type of program shows them that tberes other kids in a similar situa- tion. Prom the very first night on the track they (riders) took ownership of the club. Overaîl, its heen a very posi- tive experlence." Steve LeBlanc can be reached ai sIc- blancLwhaltonsearch.com. LODN EIGE s..FSHON e * 'e #/U (w, enokwed to- Mn I~~ENIX4Health and Wellness Presentation On Thursday, JuIy 6, 7:OO.9:OOpm at the Ramada Inn, The Halton Room 161 Chisholm Rd, Milton A must for hairstylists and other professions using products containing toxins & chemnicals. A cleansing system that sreplenîshes e revitalizes epromotes anti-aging & fat burning iEveryone Welcome! Bring a guest who you feel wilI benefit from our program. 4U P4Door Prizcs! FREE SAMPLES Rsvpf to Dian Marie 416-949-908 Limiled Seating! or Halton Beauty Supply 90-875-0313