Province Celebrates Success of in motion Strategy

October 6, 2010

Physical Activity up 10 per cent Among Adult Manitobans: Rondeau

In honour of the fifth anniversary of Manitoba’s in motion physical activity strategy, Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau led a walk at the Legislative Building today to celebrate a ten per cent increase in leisure-time physical activity among Manitobans 20 years and older.“This anniversary is an excellent time to assess the progress we’ve made as a province. I’m delighted to announce that Manitobans have met the 2010 goal that was set in 2003,” said Rondeau. “We have a lot of accomplishments to be proud of but we have much further to go. Our ultimate goal is for Manitobans be the healthiest, most physically active people in Canada.”

In 2003, ministers responsible for physical activity, recreation and sport across Canada set a national target to increase physical activity by 10 percentage points in each jurisdiction by 2010. The specific target for Manitoba was to increase the level of leisure-time physical activity among Manitobans 20 years and older to 51 per cent from 41 per cent.

Manitoba in motion was launched in 2005 and was one of the key recommendations of the all-party Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures Task Force. In motion is a provincial strategy to help all Manitobans make physical activity part of their daily lives for health benefits and enjoyment, said Rondeau. On the anniversary, Manitobans are being asked to undertake a 30-minute walk on their own or with their school, workplace or community group and register it online for prizes.

“I encourage every Manitoban who can, to get up, get out and celebrate in motion,” said Rondeau. “Walking is a terrific way to improve and maintain your health. The benefits of regular, moderate exercise are astronomical, so put your best foot forward!”

Manitoba in motion physical-activity grants are available to help communities and workplaces plan and implement ways to increase physical activity among citizens. Up to 50 per cent of total project costs to a maximum of $3,000 are considered. Since they began, there have been 520 grants awarded, totalling over $1.2 million.

A wide range of community and workplace activities were funded during fiscal 2009-10 with 119 projects receiving $245,000. Some examples were cross-country ski clinics, the purchase of fitness equipment, after-school physical-activity programs, square-dancing instruction, a health fair, training of fitness leaders and the purchase of older-adult physical-activity DVDs for use in rural and remote areas.

The intake process for in motion grant money has recently changed so that applications can be submitted at any time. Grant money is still available for this year. Communities and workplaces are encouraged to go to www.manitobainmotion.ca to view the application requirements.

Communities, workplaces, schools, families, and individuals are encouraged to register their participation in the anniversary walk at www.manitobainmotion.ca and be entered in a draw for in motion merchandise. Hundreds of organizations across Manitoba have already signed up to do a walk, said Rondeau.

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