Latest news with #ParticipACTIONCommunityChallenge
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
Richmond, B.C. named Canada's Most Active Community Français
The city wins the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge $100,000 grand prize TORONTO, July 22, 2025 /CNW/ - Richmond, B.C. has been named Canada's Most Active Community and awarded the $100,000 grand prize to support local physical activity and sport initiatives as part of the ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk. Now in its sixth year, the national physical activity and sport initiative encourages Canadians to get active throughout the month of June. "Congratulations to Richmond and all of the provincial and territorial winners," said Elio Antunes, President and CEO of ParticipACTION. "Engaging community members in physical activity and sport is an important strategy for building healthier and more connected communities. It was so inspiring to see over 1,500 organizations host more than 10,000 low-barrier, inclusive physical activity and sport activities throughout June. We hope communities keep the momentum going and continue to make room to move year-round!" Richmond has been a strong competitor in the Community Challenge since its inception and won the title of B.C.'s Most Active Community in 2022 and 2024. This year, the city earned the title of Canada's Most Active Community with the help of local organizations that rallied people to get active through more than 1,000 programs and activities. Many of them were free or low cost, helping reduce barriers and supporting Richmond's commitment to building an inclusive and accessible community. "The City of Richmond is proud of our commitment to support physical activity and well-being," said Malcolm Brodie, Mayor of Richmond, B.C. "As a vibrant and active community, we provide safe, fun and inclusive opportunities for all ages to keep our people connected and promote healthy lifestyles. On behalf of the many organizations and individuals that support physical activity and well-being in Richmond, we are honoured to be named Canada's Most Active Community." Since the Community Challenge began in 2019, ParticipACTION has awarded $1.5 million to winning communities to support local physical activity and sport initiatives. To help level the playing field and facilitate accessible opportunities for people in Canada to get active during the Challenge, ParticipACTION has also awarded over $7 million in grants to organizations across the country to provide physical activity and sport opportunities for equity-denied groups. "Congratulations to all of the communities that took part in the ParticipACTION Community Challenge, and to this year's Most Active Community. It is inspiring to see Canadians come together to create stronger, healthier, and more active communities across the country – creating momentum for active lifestyles in Canada." — The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health ParticipACTION also awarded between $7,500 and $15,000 to the following communities from each province and territory to recognize their outstanding efforts to engage their residents in physical activity and sport: Red Deer, AB Pinawa, MB Grand-Bouctouche, NB Clarenville, NL Truro and Cape Breton, NS (tie) Hay River, NT Iqaluit, NU Cochrane, ON Miltonvale Park, PE Québec City, QC Ituna, SK Faro, YT "By making sport more inclusive and accessible for everyone, our government is building stronger, healthier communities," said the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport). "The ParticipACTION Community Challenge is a fantastic program that we are proud to support. Way to go, Richmond, B.C.! Congratulations and thank you for inspiring your neighbours and all Canadians to keep moving!" The 2025 Community Challenge took place from June 1 to 30 and was open to all communities, organizations and individuals across Canada. Over 846,000 participants and 672 communities participated in the Challenge and competed for the title of Canada's Most Active Community. "On behalf of Novo Nordisk Canada, congratulations to Richmond and to all the provincial and territorial winners, along with every individual who took part in this year's ParticipACTION Community Challenge. Novo Nordisk is proud to be the presenting partner of this important initiative, which plays a vital role in supporting a healthier Canada through the promotion of physical activity and prevention of chronic diseases." — Vince Lamanna, President of Novo Nordisk Canada Everyone in Canada should have access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities that help them grow and thrive—physically, emotionally and socially. From drag queen-led fitness events to sunrise hikes for newcomers and sensory-friendly swimming programs, communities across Canada made room to move during the Community Challenge, helping create a healthier, stronger country. About ParticipACTION ParticipACTION is a national non-profit charitable organization that envisions a Canada where physical activity is a vital part of everyday life for everyone. As Canada's leading physical activity organization, ParticipACTION works with its partners, which include organizations in the sport, physical activity and recreation sectors, alongside government and corporate sponsors, to help people move more where they live, learn, work and play. ParticipACTION is generously supported by the Government of Canada. Learn how ParticipACTION has been moving Canadians for over 50 years at About the Community Challenge The ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk is a national physical activity and sport initiative that encourages everyone in Canada to get active throughout June in search of Canada's Most Active Community. The Community Challenge is open to all communities and individuals, ultimately recognizing Canada's Most Active Community and awarding it $100,000 to support local physical activity and sport initiatives. The ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk is proudly funded by the Government of Canada and Novo Nordisk.
Cision Canada
13-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Organizations can help make local history and win $100,000 for their community Français
ParticipACTION launches its country-wide Community Challenge in search of Canada's Most Active Community. TORONTO, May 13, 2025 /CNW/ - On June 1, ParticipACTION will kick off its search for Canada's Most Active Community with the ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk. ParticipACTION encourages everyone in Canada to get physically active throughout June to help their community win the title and $100,000 grand prize to support local sport and physical activity initiatives. The Community Challenge is open to all communities, organizations and individuals. Community organizations, including sport clubs, community centres, local businesses and schools, as well as local governments, can now sign up for the Challenge and register the physical activity and sport programs and events they plan to run in June to help their community members get more active where they live, learn, work and play. All community programs and events registered on the Challenge webpage and hosted in June will count toward a community's total score. "There is no world record to break, but local history can be made throughout the Challenge," says Elio Antunes, President and CEO of ParticipACTION. "Through this community-focused initiative and the leadership of local organizations across the country, we're hoping to reduce barriers and create more fun and inclusive opportunities for people in Canada to get active. When it comes to making room to move during the Challenge, there are no set parameters – every cartwheel competition, soccer practice and neighbourhood walk or wheel counts!" Everyone in Canada should have access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities that help them grow and thrive – physically, emotionally and socially. ParticipACTION, with support from public and private funders, provided funding to more than 900 community organizations to promote and deliver physical activity and sport opportunities to equity-denied groups throughout the 2025 Challenge. This funding helps level the playing field and reduces barriers to physical activity, contributing to the creation of stronger, more inclusive and healthier communities. "At Novo Nordisk, we believe that a healthier Canada will take more than medication. As obesity and diabetes rates continue to rise and place greater burden on the economy, we must equally prioritize prevention. That's why we invest in prevention initiatives that make a real difference and why we're proud to partner on this year's ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk," says Vince Lamanna, President, Novo Nordisk Canada. "Physical activity is essential for our physical and mental health, helping to prevent serious chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. Through partnerships like this, we are committed to ensuring that wellness reaches more families and communities across Canada. Together, we can inspire action, cultivate healthier lifestyles and create lasting change for a healthier tomorrow." Past national winners of the ParticipACTION Community Challenge include Enderby, B.C. (2019), North Grenville, Ontario (2021), Red Deer, Alberta (2022), Salisbury, New Brunswick (2023) and Hay River, Northwest Territories (2024). In Hay River, the $100,000 prize is supporting upgrades to local sport and recreation programming and the revitalization of Inukshuk Park, helping to transform it into an active gathering place for community events, outdoor fitness and everyday movement. It's a lasting reminder that when a community makes room to move, it creates space for everyone to thrive. To learn more about how to participate in the Community Challenge and register your organization, visit ParticipACTION's website. About ParticipACTION ParticipACTION is a national non-profit charitable organization that envisions a Canada where physical activity is a vital part of everyday life for everyone. As Canada's leading physical activity organization, ParticipACTION works with its partners, which include organizations in the sport, physical activity and recreation sectors, alongside government and corporate sponsors, to help people move more where they live, learn, work and play. ParticipACTION is generously supported by the Government of Canada. Learn how ParticipACTION has been moving Canadians for over 50 years at The ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk is a national physical activity and sport initiative that encourages everyone in Canada to get active throughout June in search of Canada's Most Active Community. The Community Challenge is open to all communities and individuals, ultimately recognizing Canada's Most Active Community and awarding it $100,000 to support local physical activity and sport initiatives. The ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk is proudly funded by the Government of Canada and Novo Nordisk.
