The sixth annual WinterKids Winter Games is scheduled to begin Monday, Jan. 9, with 15 schools competing statewide to win a $30,000 for their schools.

The Winter Games is a four-week series of challenges in outdoor physical activity, nutrition, family engagement and winter carnival ending Friday, Feb. 3.

“My Wild Winter” is this year’s theme, according to a news release from Julie Mulkern, WinterKids executive director.

The games kick off with an opening ceremony press event at 1 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Helen Thompson School, 309 Spears Corner Road in West Gardiner.

The winning school will receive $5,000, the second will receive $3,000 and third place will receive $1,500 in school-wide prize ceremonies. All competitive schools will receive a cash prize based on how they finish.

All told, 3,000 children and 527 teachers will participate in the competitive track of the Winter Games for a chance to win cash, while an additional 7,000 students and 900 teachers will participate in the Play Along Track and receive incentives and a chance to win weekly prizes. Children are participating in all 16 counties of Maine and 13 additional states.

“We are thrilled to offer a fun, active way to engage all kids in outdoor learning throughout the winter,” says Mulkern.

Embracing outdoor learning helps to counteract the negative effects of excessive screen time — particularly for those in elementary school. WinterKids provides resources for both teachers and parents to get their kids outside and active. There is also a WinterKids Winter Games Facebook group for resource sharing. Downloadable activities and a complete list of 2023 schools are at winterkids.org.

The games are presented by Hannaford Snack Pals.

For more information, call Melissa Ferrigno, administrative and volunteer coordinator, at 207-871-5700, ext. 106.

Check out other upcoming area events!