Physical activity in many forms is showcased this year to mark National Health and Fitness Day.
MP John Weston, who represents West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country riding, brought forward a private member’s bill to create a National Health and Fitness Day on the first Saturday in June every year. It encourages local governments to offer sports and recreation facilities for free or at a reduced rate, in addition to showcasing the local opportunities available for sport and fitness activities for any level of ability.
City of Powell River’s parks, recreation and culture department has organized a weekend filled with a variety of physical and lifestyle activities for residents of all ages, from Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2, at no cost. “We really wanted to support John Weston,” said Patti Coburn, the city’s recreation program coordinator. “I thought, let’s get the community involved.”
National Health and Fitness Day has now become a movement where local governments have taken the lead, Weston said. “What I like about the movement is that it’s really gaining a life of its own,” he said. “It’s just great to see some of the stories that are being told and the enthusiasm it’s mustered.”
This project is part of a larger national movement designed as one response to related factors, including alarming rates of childhood obesity and the resultant diabetes, cardiovascular problems and other chronic diseases.
“We have rising levels of obesity, especially among our youth, because of the lower levels of physical participation than we’ve known in Canadian history,” Weston said. “The medical consequences of that are also well known. A young person who is obese has a 14-times higher likelihood of suffering a cardiac event by age 50.”
There are economic consequences as well, Weston said, adding Canada spends $7 billion a year on cardiovascular and diabetes-related issues that tie into obesity.
There are now about 40 cities across Canada that have proclaimed the day, Weston said, including Calgary and Ottawa. As well, the Canadian Medical Association, Heart and Stroke Foundation and Fitness Clubs of Canada Association have endorsed the day.
His bill has had first reading and is awaiting second reading, Weston also said.
The kickoff for this year’s event is an 80’s fun fitness workout from 9 to 10 am on Friday, May 31 at Powell River Recreation Complex.
The following activities are available on Saturday, June 1:
• Early morning walk or jog, hosted by Powell River Track and Field, from 8 to 9:30 am at Timberlane track.
• Horseshoes for the whole family, hosted by Powell River Horseshoe Club, 10 to 11:30 am at the complex upper parking lot.
• Family Snag Golf, hosted by Myrtle Point Golf Club, 11 am to 12:30 pm, at Willingdon Beach, all equipment provided.
• Table tennis, hosted by Powell River Gymnastics Club, from 1 to 2 pm at the complex.
• Tennis for the whole family, hosted by Powell River Tennis Club, from 1:30 to 3 pm at the Townsite tennis courts.
• Lawn bowling for the whole family, hosted by Powell River Lawn Bowling Club, 1:30 to 3 pm at the lawn bowling greens in Townsite.
The event wraps up at 11 am on Sunday with a bike ride, hosted by Powell River Cycling Association, starting from Liquidation World on Joyce Avenue and ending at Willingdon Beach for a barbeque.
The event includes a Passport to Fitness, which can be picked up at the recreation complex or downloaded from the city’s website. Participants who have their passports stamped from three or more activities will receive one personal pass to the complex. Additionally, they will be entered for a free 10-visit pass at the complex.
