News Releases

The province’s successful Manitoba in motion physical activity program has received a national award for excellence in physical activity leadership, Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross said today.

 

The Manitoba in motion program received the 2008 Canada in motion Russ Kisby Physical Activity Leadership Award at a ceremony in Saskatoon last night.

 

“Manitoba in motion brings together government, communities, workplaces and individuals to increase the physical activity of Manitobans for improved health,” said Irvin-Ross.  “I’m thrilled this program has been recognized for the difference it is making in helping people make physical activity part of their daily routine.  I congratulate the community leaders across the province who encourage and inspire others to lead active, healthy lives.”

 

Manitoba in motion is a provincial strategy to encourage all Manitobans to make physical activity part of their daily lives for health and enjoyment. 

 

“Implementing Manitoba in motion was a key recommendation of the all-party Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures Task Force, and has really been embraced by Manitobans across the province,” said Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport Minister Eric Robinson.  “I want to congratulate everyone who has shown such strong leadership in making physical activity a priority in Manitoba.”

 

Since the program was launched in October 2005:

·         97 communities from across the province have registered as Communities in motion,

·         more than $716,000 has been invested in 248 grants to Communities in motion projects aimed at increasing physical activity,

·         more than 100 workplaces have signed up as Workplaces in motion, and

·         507 schools, more than half of Manitoba schools, have signed up as Healthy Schools in motion.

The national in motion program Russ Kisby Physical Activity Leadership Award acknowledges individuals or organizations that exhibit an outstanding contribution to the health of their community through physical activity.