Something for everyone.
That was the theme of the Mind, Body and Soul event held last Friday and Saturday at the Libro Centre.
Hosted by the Amherstburg Soccer Club, the inaugural festival was created to rejuvenate and thrive through a blend of physical activities, mental wellness sessions and soulful experiences.
“It is to provide an opportunity to build community and awareness of healthy living,” explained organizer Linda DiPasquale.
A member of the Amherstburg Pickleball Association, she said the response that they received from other groups to participate was amazing. The local association was able to attract players from across the region and held its first ever mixed, men’s and women’s tournaments.
Besides DiPasquale, Wren Dosant of Valiants Basketball and Amherstburg Soccer Club President Nick Cacciato put together Mind, Body and Soul which offered a wide variety of activities including chess, ultimate frisbee, pottery-making and soccer just to name a few.
The Mind, Body, Soul event was also developed in partnership with the Windsor-Essex Bike Community (WEBC), Windsor Ultimate Frisbee and the Miracle League of Amherstburg. Numerous sponsors also contributed.
While there was no admission fee, donations were accepted at the door with all the proceeds going to the Miracle League.
Saturday morning saw players and volunteers of the Miracle League have a game even though their official season concluded a couple of weeks ago. During the opening ceremonies, Cacciato was gracious in thanking everyone who participated in Mind, Body and Soul.
“It’s about building community,” said Cacciato.
Several members of town council attended, including Mayor Michael Prue who said that the festival was a new concept to Amherstburg and that is why all fees were waived.
“This is a wonderful example of how we can come together to support each other,” said Prue.
The lobby of the Libro Centre was as busy as the two rinks and the outdoor fields where wellness vendors set up.
One of those was Chantelle Smith and Krista Gatti of Next Step Counselling who were very pleased to take part.
“We love bringing the community together. It is important in a time when there is so much pressure and stress,” said Smith.
St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program and the Garage Gym were just a couple of the others who were in the lobby.
And as far as what could happen next year, DiPasquale said, “we want to keep this manageable. It’s our inaugural year, we want it to grow.”
Inaugural Mind, Body and Soul festival a big hit
By Fred Groves
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