Summer Active 2002 launched in Gander

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, launched today a promotional campaign to help people improve their health and sense of well-being by becoming more physically active.

Minister Bettney was joined at Cobb�s Pond for the launch by Sandra Kelly, MHA for Gander and Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education; children from Gander Academy; Gary Milley, executive director for the Newfoundland and Labrador Parks and Recreation Association; Terry Morrison, executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador T�Railway Council; Kevin Waterman, recreation director for the Town of Gander; and consultants David Doyle and Dave Feener of the recreation and sport division.

Summer Active is a national campaign coordinated by Health Canada in partnership with the provinces/territories. It encourages Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take the first step to becoming more active. For the 2002 campaign, emphasis is on the substantial health, economic and other benefits associated with active living, healthy eating and living smoke-free.

"These are all key to a healthy lifestyle and to improve health and prevent disease," said Minister Bettney. "For a child, physical activity and proper nutrition are essential for optimal growth and development. For an older person, smart food and active lifestyle choices keep us healthy and can prolong independent living in later life," said the minister.

For the fourth consecutive year the department is partnering with the Newfoundland and Labrador Parks and Recreation Association in delivering this campaign. Annually in this province, over 250 sites register their Summer Active event and receive a leaders resource kit. Schools, workplaces, institutions and communities organize activities that get people to have fun and be active. Examples of some activities that will be taking place include walking, cycling, gardening, unstructured play, aerobics, bowling, swimming, and roller blading.

"As MHA for Gander district, I am pleased to participate in the launch today," said Minister Kelly. "This area has always provided a wealth of options when it comes to getting out and being active. Whether it�s fishing on the Gander River, hiking the many trails or participating in activities at the new Gander Community Centre, there is much to do here and I am sure everyone will have a very active summer 2002 here in Gander."

The launch of Summer Active 2002 also supports the department�s Physical Activity Strategy - Regaining Our Health - a document which outlines ways and action steps to get inactive Newfoundlanders and Labradorians more active.

"We know that two-thirds of the people in this province are not active enough," said Minister Bettney. "We are committed to getting more people taking the steps toward a more active lifestyle through our provincial strategy. A program such as Summer Active 2002 provides the kind of encouragement many people need to get going."

During the launch, Minister Bettney also announced the Newfoundland and Labrador T�railway Council will receive a $3,000 contribution from the National Go for Green Program. The T�Railway Council will use the funding to draw attention to and promote the TransCanada Trail through a series of walks. Schools and the public are invited to join together for a three-week period starting today to walk on the trails to accumulate the distance across Canada, approximately 1,600 kilometres. The T�railway Council received $2,250 today and the remaining $750 will be presented when the project has been completed on May 31.

To find out more information on Summer Active go to or contact David Doyle at (709) 729-5281.

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2002 05 10                               4:30 p.m.