West Fraser Timber Park will be alive with healthy activities as Move for Health Day returns on Saturday May 7 from noon to 4 p.m. The event, hosted by Leisure Services and funded by the City of Quesnel and Cariboo Regional District, offers a wide range of free activities for people of all ages to try out.
“This is a great event year after year as our community comes together to celebrate physical activity and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle,” said Mayor Mary Sjostrom. “By being active, we become healthier, both physically and emotionally. I encourage our residents to take part and to try a new activity for free.”
“This event really gets North Cariboo residents thinking about healthy lifestyles and the benefits that go along with them,” added Cariboo Regional District Vice-Chair Ted Armstrong. “Whether you’re trying a new sport, learning a new dance style or taking in one of the educational displays, there’s something for everyone at Move for Health Day.”
The “try it out” event at the park involves more than 20 community organizations and their instructors teaching the basics about their activity with the public. Some of the options include archery, horseshoe pitching, tennis, canoeing and much more. Residents who take part in at least five activities at the park can enter the Adult Fun Activity Challenge. People are also encouraged to take alternate modes of transport to the park, such as biking or walking.
New this year to Move for Health Day are salsa dancing, roller skating and geocaching. There will also be a gardening seminar dealing with topics such as: container and raised bed gardening; extending the growing season; and planting vegetables. It is presented by Stephanie Waring, landscape designer, and Ellen Boutotte, Master Gardener.
In addition to the events at the West Fraser Timber Park, there are several other healthy initiatives taking place. Local fitness centres, including Curves, Gold City Fitness, Gold’s Gym and the Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Centre will open their facilities free of charge between noon and 4 p.m. The 14th Annual Walk and Wheel in support of the Quesnel Spinal Cord Society takes place at 10 a.m. beginning at Ceal Tingley Park. And the Quesnel and District Museum and Archives hosts a Heritage walk led by Museum Curator Elizabeth Hunter, beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the museum.
Once again, Leisure Services wants to hear your success stories; residents who are active for at least 10 minutes that day are encouraged to let staff at the Arts and Recreation Centre know about it.
All this results in many ways to win a number of great prizes. The most active elementary and high school in the school challenge on May 6 will win 2-for-1 passes to the Arts and Recreation Centre for each student. North Cariboo residents can win prizes such as sporting goods or free gym admission for a month. Participants can enter when they report their activity by calling 250-992-8200 or by e-mailing move@quesnel.ca
Did you know?
• Being active will help you stay healthy, live longer and improve your quality of life.
• Exercise slows the rate of bone loss and reduces the chances of acquiring osteoporosis.
• Active people have a lower risk of colon cancer and breast cancer than sedentary people.
• Regular physical activity decreases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, stroke and high blood pressure.
• Only 15% of children, 23% of women and 26% of men are active enough to benefit from exercise.
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