Islanders all across the province are encouraged to get outside and enjoy the many benefits of physical activities during go!PEI week, June 5 to 11, says Health and Wellness Minister Carolyn Bertram.
“One year ago, we launched go!PEI, a grassroots program designed to support Islanders in increasing their physical activity level and choosing healthier foods more often,” said Minister Bertram. “Over the past year, go!PEI has offered more than 100 programs and events, had more than 9,600 people take part in these programs, and seen more than 5,300 Islanders pledge to make a lifestyle change related to their physical activity and healthy eating. go!PEI week is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, and encourage more Islanders to get involved.”
“We’ve tried to create a fun week of activity for Islanders to participate in and hope to remind them that not only is physical activity good for you but it can be a lot of fun as well,” said Barb Mullally of Recreation PEI. “We have a challenge for workplaces, a challenge for schools and a sneaker day where all Islanders can get out and participate.”
The 150-minute workplace challenge is open to any work site regardless of size. It only takes one interested employee to sign up the work site and from there anyone can participate. Schools can participate in the school sneaker challenge by hosting an event of their choice that involves sneakers and physical activity. Work sites and schools can find more information on these challenges by visiting the go PEI website at www.gopei.ca. The deadline to register for these challenges is Thursday, June 2.
On Friday, June 10, in partnership with many communities and organizations, it will be Sneaker Day on PEI. The goal is to get as many Islanders as possible outside and enjoying some physical activity on June 10. Whether it is running, bicycling, walking or gardening, the object is to get Islanders moving and taking that first step in adding more physical activity into their daily schedule.
As with all go!PEI programs, every challenge is free of charge and everyone is invited to participate. There will also be lots of chances to win prizes, get more information on go!PEI and receive healthy living tips.
BACKGROUNDER
About go PEI
• go!PEI week runs from June 5 to 11.
• go!PEI is a community-based initiative led by Recreation PEI in partnership with many provincial organizations and community partners.
• go!PEI is funded by the Province of PEI and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
• go!PEI offers free physical activity and healthy eating programs in communities all across PEI.
• Over 5,000 Islanders took the go!PEI healthy living pledge during the first year.
• Over 9,600 Islanders participated in a go!PEI program from May 2010 to March 2011.
• You can find out more about go!PEI at www.gopei.ca