Mother Teresa Early Childhood Education Centre is preparing to paint Lloydminster — and its participants — in a vibrant burst of community spirit.
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The school will host its sixth annual colour run on Saturday, June 13, inviting families from across the city to walk, run, and get splashed with colour, all in support of the school’s outdoor learning environment.
Organizers are sending a clear message to the public ahead of the big day: the event is entirely inclusive and open to everyone, not just those with students currently enrolled at the school.
“This is a community event. It is open to everybody, not just Mother Teresa,” said Sarah Rorquist, the school’s classroom complexity teacher. “We welcome all of our past students to come, but also bring your family and friends, too. There is no capacity. There is no cutoff.”
Beyond the fun, the day is a perfect opportunity to bust a popular myth: Mother Teresa isn’t just for pre-K. The school proudly welcomes and educates local children all the way through to Grade 2.
The 3 km run or walk takes place entirely on the school field. Participants will complete three loops of a 1 km course, passing through various colour stations along the way. If the summer weather co-operates, a water splash station will also be added to the route.
The event has grown significantly since its inception, regularly drawing crowds of close to 200 people over the last few years. Rorquist noted that the day kicks off with a massive, synchronized colour toss, which remains a highlight for organizers and attendees alike.
“I think the start (is my favourite part), when everybody has their little bag of colour and they all stand there and throw their colour up in the air. It’s just a burst of colour,” Rorquist said. “I think it just encompasses that wholesome feeling of being together, creating those smiles and creating an event where those families can come together.”
Proceeds from this year’s run will go directly toward the upkeep and development of the school’s outdoor space, including buying supplies and activities for the students to use outside.
To keep the event accessible to all families, registration fees have been set at $5 for individuals or $15 for an entire family, with no limit on the number of family members who can participate under the family rate.
The event is heavily supported by local businesses, which help offset the high cost of purchasing the coloured powder.
This year’s sponsors include Cenovus Energy (Cenovus Cares), GHL Consulting and Mike’s Oilfield Services, along with support from a Grade 2 family. Sobeys and the Lloydminster and District Co-op are also partnering to provide water, juice and cookies for the participants after they cross the finish line.
Registration opens at 12:30 p.m. on June 13, and the run is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Participants can pre-register online through Mother Teresa Early Childhood Education Centre’s Facebook Page.
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