Vernon teen takes to his unicycle to make a point about play

A W.L. Seaton Secondary School student is embarking on a one-wheeled quest to both inspire others to get outside and raise money for a playground in his neighbourhood.

Aiden Satterthwaite, 15, will be challenging himself to ride a unicycle 41 kilometres Oct. 12, following his school bus route.

“In the days of SnapChat, Fortnite and Zoom classrooms, I want everyone to remember how important it is to get out and play today,” Satterthwaite wrote in a GoFundMe page. “To exercise not only your body but (for) also your mind.”

Satterthwaite lives in the Valley of the Sun subdivision along Westside Road near Fintry Provincial Park.

“The subdivisions out here were developed without any green spaces,” he said. “It has been my dream as a small boy to see a playground built. I would love to see that happen. All the money I raise will be held in trust by the North Westside Community Association. Its Parks Committee is currently looking at the options of new park development. I know I would be gone off to college long before any park is built out here. I am doing this fundraiser so the little kids growing up here will be able to enjoy a dream I have long had.”

Satterthwaite will start at Udell Road and ride along Westside Road to Highway 97 to Old Kamloops Road then onto 43 Avenue to 27th Street to W.L. Seaton Secondary School.

If he can complete the challenge, he estimates it will take five to seven hours.

“I will be lead and followed by two experienced bicyclists to ensure I have a safe ride,” he said. “I encourage you to get out and play today, whatever your age is, please support me in my challenge.”

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