Latest news with #ParticipACTION
CTV News
24-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Cochrane's fitness efforts earn top Ontario community honour
Cochrane was named Ontario's most active community in the 2025 ParticipACTION challenge, earning $7,500. The town hosted 110 events, prioritizing inclusivity. The Town of Cochrane has been named Ontario's Most Active Community in the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge, earning $7,500 to support local physical activity and sport initiatives. Welcome to Cochrane An undated promotional photo of the welcome sign for the Town of Cochrane, Ont. (File photo/Town of Cochrane Ontario) The national competition encourages Canadians to get active throughout June. This year saw record-breaking participation, with over 846,000 people engaging in more than 10,000 events across 672 communities. Cochrane stood out in Ontario by mobilizing 18 organizations to host 110 activities, from walking groups to Indigenous games and outdoor yoga sessions. Park Pals - yoga An photo of Cochrane Park Pals and the community participating in outdoor yoga during the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge in June. (Cochrane Park Pals/Facebook) 'We're proud beyond words,' Cochrane Mayor Peter Politis told CTV News. He credited grassroots efforts, particularly the Park Pals, a local group that advocated for park improvements and organized community fitness initiatives. 'They took it upon themselves to be the difference,' he said. 'This is the icing on the cake of their effort.' Park Pals - scavenger hunt An photo of Cochrane Park Pals and the community participating in a scavenger hunt during the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge in June. (Cochrane Park Pals/Facebook) Inclusivity and accessibility key to success Cochrane's recreation department expanded programming to ensure activities were accessible to residents of all ages, abilities and income levels. Partnerships with libraries, food banks and Indigenous centers helped host events like guided nature walks and sensory-friendly activities. 'We want to break down barriers,' said Diana Dampier, ParticipACTION's senior director of projects. 'Cochrane did an amazing job offering low-cost, creative ways to get people moving.' The town's focus on inclusivity aligned with the challenge's goal of supporting equity-denied groups. Since 2019, ParticipACTION has awarded $7 million in grants to make physical activity more accessible nationwide. Northern community builds on active legacy Politis highlighted Cochrane's history of promoting active living, including a free bikeshare program and an 80-kilometre multi-use trail network under development. 'We've embraced being a community that sees the value in engagement,' he said, noting the town's connection to outdoor recreation through snowmobile and ATV trails. Richmond, B.C., claimed the national title and $100,000 grand prize, but Cochrane's win underscores the impact of smaller communities. 'It doesn't matter how big you are,' Politis said. 'Your passion drives outcomes.' Park Pals - Volunteers An photo of Cochrane Park Pals volunteers during the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge in June. (Cochrane Park Pals/Facebook) Health Minister Marjorie Michel also praised the event for fostering 'stronger, healthier communities' nationwide in a news release this week. Looking ahead Dampier encouraged other towns to register early for next year's challenge and prioritize inclusive programming. Cochrane plans to invest its prize money into local initiatives, including a $200,000 park upgrade led by the Park Pals. With files from journalist Lyndsay Aelick
CTV News
24-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Cochrane takes Ontario's top spot in national fitness challenge
Cochrane was named Ontario's most active community in the 2025 ParticipACTION challenge, earning $7,500. The town hosted 110 events, prioritizing inclusivity. "We're proud beyond words," said Mayor Peter Politis.
CBC
24-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
City of Iqaluit named Nunavut's most active community
ParticipACTION, a charity focused on supporting physical wellness, held the challenge in June. The senior director of projects at the charity says the city of Iqaluit has excelled at keeping all residents active.
Cision Canada
22-07-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Richmond, B.C. named Canada's Most Active Community Français
The city wins the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge $100,000 grand prize TORONTO, July 22, 2025 /CNW/ - Richmond, B.C. has been named Canada's Most Active Community and awarded the $100,000 grand prize to support local physical activity and sport initiatives as part of the ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk. Now in its sixth year, the national physical activity and sport initiative encourages Canadians to get active throughout the month of June. "Congratulations to Richmond and all of the provincial and territorial winners," said Elio Antunes, President and CEO of ParticipACTION. "Engaging community members in physical activity and sport is an important strategy for building healthier and more connected communities. It was so inspiring to see over 1,500 organizations host more than 10,000 low-barrier, inclusive physical activity and sport activities throughout June. We hope communities keep the momentum going and continue to make room to move year-round!" Richmond has been a strong competitor in the Community Challenge since its inception and won the title of B.C.'s Most Active Community in 2022 and 2024. This year, the city earned the title of Canada's Most Active Community with the help of local organizations that rallied people to get active through more than 1,000 programs and activities. Many of them were free or low cost, helping reduce barriers and supporting Richmond's commitment to building an inclusive and accessible community. "The City of Richmond is proud of our commitment to support physical activity and well-being," said Malcolm Brodie, Mayor of Richmond, B.C. "As a vibrant and active community, we provide safe, fun and inclusive opportunities for all ages to keep our people connected and promote healthy lifestyles. On behalf of the many organizations and individuals that support physical activity and well-being in Richmond, we are honoured to be named Canada's Most Active Community." Since the Community Challenge began in 2019, ParticipACTION has awarded $1.5 million to winning communities to support local physical activity and sport initiatives. To help level the playing field and facilitate accessible opportunities for people in Canada to get active during the Challenge, ParticipACTION has also awarded over $7 million in grants to organizations across the country to provide physical activity and sport opportunities for equity-denied groups. "Congratulations to all of the communities that took part in the ParticipACTION Community Challenge, and to this year's Most Active Community. It is inspiring to see Canadians come together to create stronger, healthier, and more active communities across the country – creating momentum for active lifestyles in Canada." — The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health ParticipACTION also awarded between $7,500 and $15,000 to the following communities from each province and territory to recognize their outstanding efforts to engage their residents in physical activity and sport: Red Deer, AB Pinawa, MB Grand-Bouctouche, NB Clarenville, NL Truro and Cape Breton, NS (tie) Hay River, NT Iqaluit, NU Cochrane, ON Miltonvale Park, PE Québec City, QC Ituna, SK Faro, YT "By making sport more inclusive and accessible for everyone, our government is building stronger, healthier communities," said the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport). "The ParticipACTION Community Challenge is a fantastic program that we are proud to support. Way to go, Richmond, B.C.! Congratulations and thank you for inspiring your neighbours and all Canadians to keep moving!" The 2025 Community Challenge took place from June 1 to 30 and was open to all communities, organizations and individuals across Canada. Over 846,000 participants and 672 communities participated in the Challenge and competed for the title of Canada's Most Active Community. "On behalf of Novo Nordisk Canada, congratulations to Richmond and to all the provincial and territorial winners, along with every individual who took part in this year's ParticipACTION Community Challenge. Novo Nordisk is proud to be the presenting partner of this important initiative, which plays a vital role in supporting a healthier Canada through the promotion of physical activity and prevention of chronic diseases." — Vince Lamanna, President of Novo Nordisk Canada Everyone in Canada should have access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities that help them grow and thrive—physically, emotionally and socially. From drag queen-led fitness events to sunrise hikes for newcomers and sensory-friendly swimming programs, communities across Canada made room to move during the Community Challenge, helping create a healthier, stronger country. About ParticipACTION ParticipACTION is a national non-profit charitable organization that envisions a Canada where physical activity is a vital part of everyday life for everyone. As Canada's leading physical activity organization, ParticipACTION works with its partners, which include organizations in the sport, physical activity and recreation sectors, alongside government and corporate sponsors, to help people move more where they live, learn, work and play. ParticipACTION is generously supported by the Government of Canada. Learn how ParticipACTION has been moving Canadians for over 50 years at About the Community Challenge The ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk is a national physical activity and sport initiative that encourages everyone in Canada to get active throughout June in search of Canada's Most Active Community. The Community Challenge is open to all communities and individuals, ultimately recognizing Canada's Most Active Community and awarding it $100,000 to support local physical activity and sport initiatives. The ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk is proudly funded by the Government of Canada and Novo Nordisk.
Cision Canada
16-06-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada provides support for ParticipACTION to promote active lifestyles Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 16, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), on behalf of the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced $5 million in funding to support ParticipACTION's Let's Get Moving initiative for 2025-26. This initiative promotes physical activity in Canada through national awareness campaigns, community challenges, and report cards on activity levels. ParticipACTION engages Canadians online and in their communities through its Community Challenge, making it easier for everyone to be active, especially groups facing barriers to physical activity. Staying active improves both physical and mental health and reduces the risk of chronic disease. This investment underscores our commitment to healthier, more active communities across Canada. Quotes "Across Canada, physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour continue to be a challenge. Being active is key for preventing chronic disease and improving overall health and well-being. This is why we partner with organizations like ParticipACTION to promote healthier and active lifestyles nationwide." The Honourable Marjorie Michel Minister of Health "Moving your body should be simple, but for too many people, it's still out of reach. Let's Get Moving is about making physical activity more accessible so more Canadians can move more, feel better and live healthier lives." The Honourable Adam van Koeverden Secretary of State (Sport) "We thank the Government of Canada for its continued commitment to supporting ParticipACTION's important work. Physical activity isn't just good for us—it's essential for a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. It strengthens our bodies, minds, and communities. Now is the time to make physical activity a national priority and ensure that every person in Canada has the opportunity to be active every day." Elio Antunes President and CEO of ParticipACTION Quick Facts ParticipACTION is a Canadian non-profit charitable organization that has been encouraging Canadians to get healthy by making physical activity an integral part of their everyday life since 1971. Since 2018, the Let's Get Moving initiative has achieved results across its program of activities, including public education, research and community-based physical activity challenges. Last year alone, Let's Get Moving reached 568,000 participants through the Community Challenge. With this funding, this initiative is expected to deliver positive outcomes that will benefit as many people in Canada as possible, including priority populations. Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour levels remain high with only 49.2% of adults and 43.9% of children and youth meeting physical activity recommendations in Canada. SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
