North Ninja Ridge Intermediate

The morning fog was appropriately thick as ninjas crawled, crept, and ran outside North Windy Ridge Intermediate School.

By: Benjamin Rickert, Communications Dept.

Everyone loves a ninja joke: A ninja, a PTO parent, and the Blackhawk mascot walk up to the Ninja Run sign-in table. A volunteer greets them and says, “It’s so great to see both of you!”

The morning fog was appropriately thick as ninjas crawled, crept, and ran outside North Windy Ridge Intermediate School on October 19. Students and parents alike were clad in black for the school’s first Ninja Run, which stressed teamwork to overcome six challenging obstacle stations, and featured plenty of fearsome war cries and silly martial arts moves.

Each class of students competed for the team award, while individual awards were given for those who were especially helpful to others, and who exhibited the HAWKS character traits: 1) have respect, 2) awesome attitude, 3) willing Worker, 4) kind kids, and 5) successful citizens.

“What we really love about it is that this was done with students of every ability in mind,” said PTO parent Jennifer Banks. “It should be fun and exciting for every student, no matter their natural inclination.”

Obstacle stations included activities such as a mud crawl, ropes course, and agility tires. Alternative activities were also available for each station, and PTO parents were on hand to assist any student who wanted to attempt an obstacle.

In addition to physical challenges, there were also mental challenges, Banks explained. For example, before the race, students tried to memorize as many traits of ninjas as they could, such as self-discipline, awareness, and focus. After the race, students wrote down as many of those traits as they could remember.

The Ninja Run not only provided a memorable and active day for everyone, it also served to raise funds for the school through pledges made by local sponsors. To this end, Principal Brent Wise added a humorous challenge to the students: If they could beat their PTO’s $15,000 goal by $5,000, he would rename the school for a day.

“We all thought he was nuts,” laughed Banks, who initially thought the goal was unrealistic.

But the young ninjas not only met their Principal’s goal, they jumped right over it. Now it’s up to Mr. Wise to make good on his end of the deal (which is always advisable when ninjas are involved). Students can soon expect his voice over the school’s intercom saying, “Good morning, students, and welcome to North Ninja Ridge Intermediate!”

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Don't miss our #BCSlive footage from the day:

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