SASKATCHEWAN LAUNCHES SUMMERACTIVE CAMPAIGN

SummerActive 2004, a national campaign to help people improve their health and quality of life, began this week. SummerActive runs May 10th to June 19th and is organized by Health Canada in partnership with provincial and territorial governments.

"The SummerActive campaign helps people take their first steps to becoming more active and spreads the message that active living and healthy eating are critical to a healthy lifestyle," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "Both the national SummerActive campaign and Saskatchewan's in motion movement help educate and support people, especially our children, to make physical activity a part of their daily routine."

Each year, SummerActive events are organized to raise awareness in communities, schools, workplaces, and public health facilities. SummerActive events provide people with an opportunity to learn more about the benefits of regular physical activity. To find out what's happening in your community and register participation, events or activities, visit www.summeractive.canoe.ca. Individuals will be eligible to win a variety of prizes by registering their physical activity on the web site during the SummerActive campaign.

Moose Jaw provides a good example of how SummerActive is being used to get people active. The Canadian Armed Forces is offering a variety of SummerActive events for military officers and their families, including 'Wing Sneaker Walk', Youth 'Get Going', 'Wing Commanders Cup Bike Race' and the 'Relay For Life'. Some of these events will extend into September.

A number of tools to help maintain good health, including Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating and Canada's Physical Activity Guides to Healthy Active Living, are also available by calling 1-888-334-9769.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967

Betsy Kitchen SummerActive 2004 Ottawa Phone: (613) 231-4955