National Health and Fitness Day Kicks Off Hunt for Most Active Community
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
On June 1, ParticipACTION will celebrate National Health and Fitness Day in Canada and launch the ParticipACTION Community Challenge, presented by Novo Nordisk, the parent company of the popular weight-loss therapy Wegovy. This initiative aims to find Canada's Most Active Community, encouraging Canadians to get active throughout June for a chance to win $100,000 to support local sport and physical activity initiatives.
ParticipACTION has partnered with organizations nationwide to offer free or low-cost programming in June to help people get active on National Health and Fitness Day and throughout the Community Challenge. The challenge is open to all communities and individuals, and events registered on the Challenge webpage from June 1-30 will contribute to a community's total score.
"Getting active with others can be motivating and help create a sense of belonging," said Elio Antunes, President and CEO of ParticipACTION. "Through these community-focused initiatives, we hope to engage as many people and organizations as possible to mobilize communities and support people in getting active where they live, learn, work, and play."
ParticipACTION, with support from public and private funders, provides funding to community organizations promoting or delivering physical activity and sport opportunities to equity-denied groups throughout the Challenge. This effort aims to level the playing field and reduce barriers to physical activity, fostering stronger and healthier communities.
"As a company committed to supporting the health of Canadians and preventing serious chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes, we could not be prouder to take part in this year's ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk," said Vince Lamanna, President of Novo Nordisk Canada. "Physical activity is essential to living a long and healthy life and provides an endless range of benefits. By working with ParticipACTION in Canada, we can help drive positive change and build healthier communities for generations to come – and that's something we can all be proud of."
ParticipACTION encourages all types of physical activities, regardless of intensity or duration. From office fit breaks to weekend hockey practices, all activities count toward the Challenge, starting on National Health and Fitness Day.
Past winners of the Community Challenge include Enderby, BC (2019), North Grenville, ON (2021), Red Deer, AB (2022), and Salisbury, NB (2023). Salisbury used its $100,000 prize to enhance local trails and recently introduced a Financial Assistance for Recreation program to support youth recreational activities.
"Our government is proud to support ParticipACTION's Community Challenge. The more we move, the better we feel. Physical activity is critical to our overall physical and mental health while also helping to prevent chronic disease. Moving our bodies regularly helps us lead longer, healthier, and happier lives. I encourage Canadians from coast to coast to coast to join in and explore the physical activities that fit their lifestyles and interests. Together, let's move!" said the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity.
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