The Kamsack Recreation Board has its eyes set on winning $10,000; the only catch being lots and lots of people have to do lots and lots of moving around for 10 days in March.
Kamsack will be starting out in the challenge, being held from March 1 to 10, with 1,000 bonus minutes for having registered for the Challenge before December 15, according to Kev Sumner, recreation director, and contact person for the Challenge in Kamsack.
The program is being sponsored by Saskatchewan Blue Cross and Saskatchewan In Motion.
“Kamsack did very well last year by coming in seventh out of 55 communities with our minutes logged,” he said. “Again this year, the community that registers the most minutes of activity during the 10 days of the Challenge will be awarded $10,000 to be used for recreation programming within the community. It could even be used for upgrading an existing playground or the walking trail, for example.
“We are asking people to participate, and log in your minutes daily. This year, anyone age 13 and older will be able to create their own profile to log in activity minutes. Last year one had to be 18 or older, and a parent was responsible for creating a profile for children under 18. This year, a family profile may include those 12 and under, but the parent must create a profile for that age group.
Sumner will be contacting each recreational group and schools in the community to encourage participation in the challenge.
“Basically, we encourage everyone to register. Daily activity for the Challenge is comprehensive, including a walk to the post office to pick up mail, walking the dog or shovelling snow.
“Family members or friends living in other communities, even other provinces, may register and donate their daily physical activity minutes, during those 10 days in March, to the Kamsack Challenge,” Sumner said.
“The Go Out and Play Challenge is an awesome opportunity for your community to get families moving and have the chance to win $10,000 toward a community project that inspires active outdoor play,” said Marnie Sinclair, manager of Saskatchewan In Motion. In addition to the grand prize, the Challenge offers a prize of $5,000 for the runner up community.
“The Challenge is also a great way to pump up community spirit and pride,” she said. “Everyone has a role to play to make sure our kids are happy, healthy and successful.”
Any and every physical activity that people undertake between March 1 and 10 may be recorded, Sumner said in conclusion, listing: children at recess; seniors walking around the block; students playing sports; they can all count towards the total amount of time spent towards the prize.
The name of the winning community is to be announced on March 15.
Participants are being asked to go onto the Internet and log on to: challenge.saskatchewaninmotion.ca to register and to record their times, Sumner explained.
Residents wishing additional information on the Challenge or who want more information on how to participate, may contact Sumner at the Kamsack recreation office, or look online at challenge.saskatchewaninmotion.ca
Access to active play in nature and outdoors, even with its risks, is essential for healthy child development, said information on the website. “We recommend increasing children’s opportunities for self-directed play outdoors in all settings, at home, at school, in child care, the community and nature.”
When children are outside they move more, sit less and play longer, it said. Behaviours associated with increased activity include improved cholesterol levels, blood pressure, body composition, bone density, cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness and aspects of mental, social and environmental health.
