Five hundred people had a ball attempting to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest Exercise Ball Class while raising awareness about prostate cancer.
It was enough to shatter the previous record of 454.
The co-chair of Nipissing Motorcycle Ride for Dad fundraiser to fight prostate cancer was thrilled by the amount of support and awareness the event generated.
“The Greater Toronto YMCA currently holds the record with 454 participants and we confirmed prior to starting that we have 500 participants. So, we are going to break the record, and we are raising a ton of awareness for the fight against prostate cancer in Nipissing,” said John Strang.
It is expected to take about a month for Guinness to officially confirm the number.
“We had Independent witnesses here and we have to sign affidavits. Each section is a section of 50 colour coated wristbands, numbered. We had to check them all off, verify they were here, and we’ll send in the video proof, the photography proof to Guinness, and they will send back notice that we have broken the record, possibly within the month. We’re pretty excited to get that news back because we checked every box and did everything that they needed. It is amazing,” said Strang.
For 30 minutes participants worked out using an exercise ball, lead by Khouri Long owner of Cor Maximus, who saw it as a unique opportunity to draw attention to the Nipissing Motorcycle Ride for Dad while attempting to set a new world record.
“The idea started two years ago, so it has been in the works for quite some time. I was actually sitting in a hotel room at a hockey tournament and was researching something exciting that North Bay could do. I teach the exercise ball class, so I thought what better opportunity then to go for the Guinness World Record,” explained Long.
Earlier in the week Long wasn’t sure if the event would draw the numbers required to set a new record.
“Just on Monday actually we were starting to get worried about numbers, and then to realize I had people still standing in the hall wanting to come to join us because we were over, is absolutely amazing.”
Dan Billingsley was one of the 500 who signed up for the challenge.
“It was life-changing. It was something that I had been looking forward to for a few weeks now. To see a whole community come together for such a great cause was absolutely magnificent. It was awesome. And I will definitely get checked out now.”
John Stringer gave credit to the organizers and volunteers for running a well-organized event.
“It was really different than I thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to be less organized to tell you the truth, but it was really well handled. The volunteers were great. You knew what you were supposed to do. Everything was good,” said Stringer.
“Supporting the cause was really important. Prostate cancer is something we should all think more about, so always glad to participate.”
Chantal Laforest was part of a group of friends who gave up part of their Saturday morning for a chance to set a new world record.
“It was fun. There was so much energy with all these people participating. And it was important to raise awareness for Ride for Dad and prostate cancer.”
The class was free, but for a minimum $10 donation, people could take their ball home.
Long said by the end of the class, $4,000 had been raised for Ride for Dad with more donations still to come.
“Anything we can do to raise awareness for cancer and raise money for that is important. It touches everybody no matter what type it is. So, if we can help with that in any way, we’re definitely going to do our part.”
Ride for Dad takes place next Saturday, June 15 with pre-registration starting Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Canadore College cafeteria.
