May 06, 2005
For Immediate Release

News Release

Minister Bennett, Minister Owen and Olympian Silken Laumann Participate in launch of SummerActive

VANCOUVER - Children from local schools will be joining the Minister of State for Public Health, Carolyn Bennett; Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), Stephen Owen and Olympian Silken Laumann in Stanley Park on the morning of May 6 to help launch the annual SummerActive campaign. SummerActive is a national campaign organized by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada and Canadian Heritage (Sport Canada). Delivered through a partnership with provincial and territorial governments, SummerActive is designed to encourage Canadians to improve their health and reduce the potential for obesity by adopting a healthier lifestyle. At the launch, students from several elementary schools, as part of BC Action Schools, will be led by the ministers in morning exercises and a 1-kilometre walk, and hear Olympic medalist Laumann speak on the importance of regular physical activity.

“Fun can be good for you!”said Minister Bennett. “Enjoy yourself -- play ball, skip, run, walk to school, ride your bike - for at least 30 minutes per day. It's fun now and pays off in the long run with improved health throughout your life. Eating healthy food and doing something physical every day are great habits -- you'll feel good now and when you get older."

“Programs like SummerActive are wonderful vehicles to teach young people the value of being healthy and remind adults that a little activity can make a big difference in their quality of life,” said Minister Owen. v v The Government of Canada also released its new interactive healthy living website @ www.eatwellbeactive.gc.ca, and the associated publication, Canada's Guide to Healthy Eating and Physical Activity.

Minister Bennett noted that although the launch was aimed at children, SummerActive is intended to get Canadians of all ages to build physical activity and healthy living into their daily routine. In 2004, roughly 78,000 registered participants walked, rolled, swam, danced, jumped v and ran in almost 300 events organized in communities, schools, workplaces and public health facilities across the country.

Recent research has shown that child and adult obesity has become increasingly prevalent in Canada over the last two decades, with the most dramatic increases being reported in children. A Queens University study released in April ranked Canada fifth worst among 34 countries with a reported 19.3% of children regarded as overweight, and 4.1% obese. Research has also shown that even a moderate increase in regular physical activity can improve health, as well as prevent disease, disability and premature death.

“When we think back to our childhood, some of our fondest memories are of active play,” said Laumann, whose Active Kids Movement promotes the power of play. “It is my belief that the more our children walk, run or bike around our neighbourhoods and the more children play in our parks, the safer - and healthier - our communities will be.”

SummerActive is consistent with the goals of the Integrated Pan-Canadian Healthy Living Strategy, endorsed by federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Health. The federal/provincial/territorial Ministers of Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity have set a target of 2010 to increase by 10% the number of Canadians who participate in 30 minutes/day of moderate to vigorous activity.

Information about how to register your participation in SummerActive, obtain helpful resources, and get details about SummerActive events in your community is available at www.summeractive.canoe.ca. Information on quitting smoking can be found by visiting www.gosmokefree.ca.

SummerActive's launch coincides with the third annual Global Move for Health Day on May 10, 2005, coordinated by the World Health Organization. SummerActive also will recognize 2005 as the Year of Sport and Physical Education, a UN-sanctioned promotion.

Backgrounders

• Silkens Active Kids
• A Fun and Healthy Break For Kids
• Integrated Pan-canadian Healthy Living Strategy
• Take a Break With Physical Activity and Healthy Eating

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Media Inquiries:

Tricia Geddes
Office of the Minister of State (Public Health)
(613) 941-8081

Renée Gillen
Office of Minister Owen
(613) 941-4241

Jean-Mathieu Dion
Media Relations Officer
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991