NLIS 3
May 12, 2000
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Minister announces launch of SummerActive 2000 program

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism Culture and Recreation, today announced the launch of SummerActive 2000, a national physical activity awareness campaign, sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, Health Canada and the Newfoundland and Labrador Parks and Recreation Association. SummerActive is an annual community-based promotion of healthy active living.

"Today we launched this exciting program with Sneaker Day at the Confederation Building, where we encouraged people to wear sneakers to work and get active, with a walk at lunch hour or any other physical activity," said Minister Furey. "There will be innovative kick-off events for SummerActive in communities across the province, resulting in a myriad of fun-filled activities for young and old alike. Lack of physical activity is a major health risk and the goal of this program is to educate the public, and get the message out that small amounts of daily physical activity can have long term health benefits."

Since its inception in 1995, more than five million Canadians have participated in SummerActive events. This year, there will be an estimated three to four hundred events in Newfoundland and Labrador, with an estimated 50,000 participants.

"SummerActive is an excellent vehicle to promote an awareness of the benefits of physical activity," said Ron Delany, president of Newfoundland and Labrador Parks and Recreation Association. "Health Canada guidelines recommend that accumulating 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week will result in significant health benefits. Active living can improve quality of life, strengthen family relationships and foster a sense of community. Through the SummerActive program our association members are encouraging everyone to be active in their own way, every day, for life."

For more information on SummerActive 2000, visit www.paguide.com/summeractive.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2000 05 12                                                         2:30 p.m.