THE LEGISLATURE JOINS THE MOVEMENT

The Saskatchewan Legislature is already a hive of activity, but it's about to become an even more active place.

Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty today kicked off the Saskatchewan Legislature in motion Workplace Challenge by leading a group of people who work at the Legislature on a walk around the Legislative grounds in Regina.

"This challenge is an excellent opportunity for all of us who work at the Legislature to become a little more physically active," Beatty said. "It encourages us to make healthier choices, and to have fun at the same time. More than 300 workplaces in Saskatchewan have already joined the movement, and we're excited to be a part of that."

The Saskatchewan Legislature in motion Challenge features teams made up of people who work at the Legislature. Team members are fitted with pedometers and encouraged to accumulate as many steps as they can in one month, whether it's walking to and from work, during lunch or coffee breaks, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Each team's progress will be tracked on a map of Saskatchewan that features a route running through every constituency in the province, and prizes will be awarded throughout the challenge.

"We congratulate all the people at the Saskatchewan Legislature who have joined more than 300 in motion workplaces province-wide in their efforts to encourage their workers to increase their physical activity for better health," Saskatchewan in motion provincial manager Cathie Kryzanowski said.

Studies show that increased physical activity can reduce stress, help maintain healthy body weight, reduce the risk of chronic disease, lead to better posture and balance, create increased energy and improve relaxation and sleep.

"We have to look after our health, and living a more active lifestyle is an important way of doing that," Beatty said. "After the one-month challenge ends, I hope that everyone here will have gotten into the habit of being more physically active, and we can keep this movement going in the Legislature permanently."

The goal of in motion is a province-wide movement aimed at increasing physical activity for better health. The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Inc., the Saskatoon Health Region, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, SaskCulture Inc. and Sask Sport Inc. are working together to deliver in motion. The Province of Saskatchewan supports the initiative through the Community Initiatives Fund. The goal of in motion is to make Saskatchewan the healthiest, most physically active province in Canada.

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For More Information, Contact:

Randy King Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-7519