Tourism, Culture and Recreation
Health and Community Services
November 20, 2008

It�s time for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to "start moving" towards a healthier and more active lifestyle.

That was the message delivered today as the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, helped launch a new website developed by Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador (RNL) in support of the Small Steps. . . Big Results active living campaign. The event took place at The Works sports and recreation facility on the Memorial University campus in St. John�s.

"It is clearly time for us, as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, to make lifestyle changes � not only for ourselves individually, but to set a positive example for our children and for future generations," said Minister Jackman. "I am calling on parents and community leaders to challenge our youth, in particular, to live more active lifestyles. The website we are launching today can help, in that it encourages people to track and record their movements throughout the day, and to find small ways to increase their personal levels of physical activity."

Minister Jackman said the campaign�s goals are consistent with the strategic directions outlined in the province�s recreation and sport strategy, Active Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Provincial Government�s commitment to promote the benefits of increased physical activity among all residents.

The campaign was initiated in 2006 as part of a joint federal-provincial initiative to increase physical activity throughout the country. Newfoundland and Labrador has provided a total of $120,000 through the Departments of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and Health and Community Services over the past two years to support various components of the initiative.

"Through our Provincial Wellness Plan, Go Healthy, we have placed a considerable emphasis on encouraging people to be active, eat healthy and stay smoke-free," said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services. "Small Steps. . . Big Results supports our efforts by promoting regular physical activity as an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It is a great example of how our government is supporting community-based initiatives to help individuals improve their own personal well-being."

Wanda Wight, President of Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador, said the website is interactive, user-friendly and designed for people of all fitness levels.

"No matter where you are on the fitness scale; no matter how young or old you are, this website and the Small Steps. . .Big Results campaign can help you find ways to incorporate more physical activity in your day-to-day life, " said Ms. Wight.

The Small Steps. . . Big Results website can be viewed at: www.recreationnl.com/smallstepsbigresults

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2008 11 20                                                   10:50 a.m.