GET IN MOTION FOR THE CENTENNIAL

Saskatchewan has a plan to become the healthiest, most physically active province in Canada by Saskatchewan's Centennial in 2005 through the provincial government's commitment of $5 million from the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF).

The commitment will build on the huge success of the Saskatoon Regional Health Authority's In Motion program which has increased the level of physical activity among Saskatoon residents by 13 per cent since its inception in 1999. A provincial partnership has been formed to build the In Motion initiative province-wide to help Saskatchewan people increase their level of physical activity by a minimum of 10 per cent by Saskatchewan's 2005 Centennial.

"A healthy and active lifestyle is a foundation for a better quality of life and helps build strong communities," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford said. "Together we are building lasting legacies that will highlight Saskatchewan's healthy and vibrant communities as we approach our Centennial."

The province-wide In Motion program is unique to Canada and focuses on health promotion and active living. To achieve its goals, the program will concentrate on strengthening partnerships, building awareness, targeting community strategies and measuring success.

"Our organizations represent an extensive network of volunteer groups throughout the province that believe in the power of positive and healthy activities," Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Chief Executive Officer and Saskatchewan In Motion Partnership Chair Norm Campbell said. "Each organization has expertise in working with local communities, so we're pleased to be working together to deliver an initiative that will really improve the quality of life for Saskatchewan people."

"The Saskatoon Regional Health Authority is extremely proud of the work that our staff and our In Motion partners, the City of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan and ParticipACTION, have done in developing such a successful physical activity program that will soon reach all of Saskatchewan," Saskatoon Regional Health Authority Chair Bob Bundon said.

The In Motion partnership also includes Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, Saskatoon Regional Health Authority, SaskCulture Inc., Sask Sport Inc., the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, community organizations, schools and many volunteers.

Established by the provincial government in 1997 to deliver a portion of casino profits back to communities, the CIF has provided more than 1,900 community groups with a total of almost $12 million.

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For More Information, Contact:

Sandhya Padmanabh Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-4967 Email: sPadmanabh@cyr.gov.sk.ca