Editor's Note: Although the grand opening of the resurfaced tennis courts will take place as planned, the pickle ball court opening will be celebrated at a later date.
To mark a day designed to promote health and fitness, organizers are preparing a number of activities to showcase the abundance of ways people can become more physically active in Powell River.
MP John Weston, who represents West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country riding, brought forward a private members bill in 2012 to create a National Health and Fitness Day on the first Saturday of June every year. Last year, Senator Nancy Greene Raine, who worked closely with Weston, introduced the bill to the Canadian Senate.
“The objective of the day is to increase Canadians’ participation in fitness and sports activities contributing to their own health and well-being,” said Greene Raine. The senator from BC is deeply concerned about rising obesity levels, especially among children and youth in Canada.
Raine believes that the solution to what has been referred to as an “epidemic of obesity” will be multifaceted, including both physical exercise and nutrition.
Canada’s Public Health Agency has put a $7-billion annual price tag on health care for cardiovascular problems and diabetes arising from obesity.
Today about one in three Canadian children are overweight or obese and on average only 12 per cent of Canadian children take part in enough physical activity, she added.
The day encourages local governments to offer sports and recreation facilities for free or at a reduced rate, in addition to showcasing local opportunities available for any level or ability.
More than 120 cities across Canada have proclaimed the day and will be participating including Pond Inlet, Nunavut, Yellowknife, Calgary, Ottawa and Halifax.
City of Powell River’s parks, recreation and culture department has organized a day of activities at no cost at various different locations around town.
Patti Coburn, the city’s recreation program coordinator, is again encouraging people to pick up a Passport to Fitness, which can be picked up at the complex, activities and in the Peak’s Live Well section from May 28.
“It’s a way for Powell River to recognize the importance of being active,” said Coburn.
Participants who have their passport stamped at two or more activities will receive a free personal pass to the complex. Additionally, they will be entered into a draw for a six-visit pass at the complex. Coburn is asking that stamped passports be returned to the complex by the end of business Monday, June 9, to be eligible for the free pass and the draw.
The kickoff for this year’s event is a fun fitness class from 9 to 10 am at the complex.
The following activities are being planned for the day:
• Table tennis from 10 am to 3 pm at the complex.
• Sunshine Coast Trail passports will be sold for half price at the complex that day only.
• Willingdon Beach Trail walk from 11 am to 1 pm, passports can be stamped at Powell River Forestry Museum.
• Open house at Powell River Gymnastics Club from noon to 1 pm.
• Lawn bowling for the whole family, hosted by Powell River Lawn Bowling Club from 1:30 to 3 pm at the club’s greens in Townsite.
• Powell River Tennis Club will be hosting its open house from 2 to 3:30 pm at its Townsite courts on Saturday. A grand opening of the club’s resurfaced tennis courts is planned for 2:30 pm. Refreshments will be available.
Equipment for tennis will be available at the courts for everyone to try.
