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Media Releases 2006
CHILLIWACK TO PARTICIPATE IN 20% PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CHALLENGE
Chilliwack, B.C. (January 26, 2006): The City of Chilliwack is joining other municipalities across the province in working with 2010 Legacies Now and the Provincial Government to help meet the target of increasing physical activity amongst its citizens and employees by 20% by 2010.
"I think the 20% Physical Activity Challenge is a great opportunity for everyone to take charge of their health and realize that, through their efforts, the real benefits of keeping fit. This challenge also ties in perfectly with our Older Adult Health Initiative and the Aging Well program,” said Mayor of Chilliwack, Clint Hames. “Our goal is to raise awareness and entice our community to take a proactive approach to health and wellness. The best health insurance program is a preventive program.”
To coincide with council passing the motion to participate in the 20% Physical Activity Challenge, the Chilliwack Spirit of BC® Community Committee plans to sponsor events throughout the community including a health and wellness conference this coming April. Chilliwack City Hall also plans to implement an active workplace plan offering fitness and health opportunities to its employees.
“Incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine is a great way to keep healthy and have more energy,” said Terry Bodman, Co-chair of the Chilliwack Spirit of BC Community Committee. “By increasing our physical activity by 20 per cent, the people of Chilliwack will be doing their part to help the Province reach the goal of becoming one of the healthiest jurisdictions to ever host an Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”
In 2004, the Canadian Medical Association passed a resolution calling on provincial governments to commit to increasing the physical activity levels of all Canadians by 10% by 2010. In response, the Province of British Columbia was the first jurisdiction in Canada to announce that it will work with 2010 Legacies Now to double the target to 20% and is encouraging all municipalities to become more physically active by 2010.
“Activities providing 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day, such as brisk walking or cycling are enough to maintain an active lifestyle,” said Marion Lay, CEO, 2010 Legacies Now. “As well, physical activity contributes positively to a person's overall well-being and can lead to a more productive and healthier community and work force. Our team at 2010 Legacies Now is looking forward to working with all municipalities across the province in meeting the Province’s challenge of increasing physical activity in every region of British Columbia.”
According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, 2003 by Statistics Canada, 38 per cent of British Columbians are not active enough to achieve the health benefits associated with an active lifestyle. As a result, inactive British Columbians are at a greater risk for chronic disease including coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer and osteoporosis.
2010 Legacies Now is a not-for-profit society that works in partnership with community organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs), the private sector and all levels of government to develop sustainable legacies in sport & recreation, arts, literacy, and volunteerism. 2010 Legacies Now actively assists communities discover and create unique and inclusive social and economic opportunities leading up to, and beyond the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. For more information, visit www.2010LegaciesNow.com.
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Media Contact:
Ian Buckley
Manager, Communications
2010 Legacies Now
604-659-1394
