Nehal Saleh started the fourth Explore Science Club (ESC) annual paper airplane competition by moving it into the shade.
It was Saturday, July 8 at Buckley Park, with the heat wave well underway beneath a scorching-hot sun, and Saleh, the president and founder of the club, was determined to avoid sunburns and dehydration among the more than 35 children and parents taking part.
Langley's Explore Science Club held its 4th Paper Airplane Competition in Buckley Park on Saturday pic.twitter.com/FMGYvqzH8m
— Langley Advance Times (@LangleyTimes) July 7, 2024
Saleh explained the contest was started as a response to the pandemic.
"This particular one was actually born out of COVID because we had to figure out a way to have everyone come together and this seemed like the best way to do it without having to touch each other, or get too close," Saleh told the Langley Advance Times.
"It was born from there and it's been pretty successful year-on-year."
Open to families with kids age three or older, participants were provided with instructions on how to fold a plane from one piece of paper and compete to throw it the farthest.
Contestants included residents of Surrey, Coquitlam, and Maple Ridge.
The three longest throwers won prizes:
Daniel Li, nine, was first at 25.34 metres.
Claude Frenal, nine, was second at 19.64m.
Ah-Yu Liu, 12, was third at 14.85m.
As well, there were participation prizes for all entrants.
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Established in 2018, the Langley City-based club offers nature-inspired science enrichment programs, Spring/Summer Break Care, and events for children aged three to 12.
It's goal is to encourage interest in science among young people, to "generally try and make events that are accessible for everyone," Saleh said.
More information can be obtained by visiting www.explorescienceclub.com. or by emailing learn@explorescienceclub.com.
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