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May 11, 2006
For immediate release
Let's Get PEI Active
Community and Cultural Affairs
It’s all part of the SummerActive campaign, a National initiative running from May 12 to June 21, to encourage Canadians to improve their health and quality of life through healthy and active living. Themed Activity Weeks and Sneaker Fridays are the two main components of this year’s SummerActive program.
On Fridays throughout the SummerActive campaign, Islanders will be encouraged to put on their sneakers and head outside. Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs and Minister Responsible for Sport, suggested Friday activities could include walking or bicycling to and from work, heading out for a walk at lunch, or leaving the car at home and using your feet to run errands.
“If you are spotted wearing sneakers on Fridays, you may walk away with a pair of PEI Active socks,” the Minister added. “Our SummerActive partners will be handing out these socks as tokens in recognition of Islanders efforts to be more active on Fridays.”
The PEI SummerActive campaign is being launched in concert with PEI Active, an initiative of the PEI Active Living Alliance.
“Daily physical activity helps you achieve a healthy lifestyle,” says Heather Connolly of the PEI Active Living Alliance. “Sneaker Fridays are a great way for all Islanders to start their day thinking about physical activity.”
The second component of SummerActive on PEI is the Themed Activity Weeks which are designed to encourage Islanders to get out and enjoy a variety of different activities throughout the province. The themes have been developed to incorporate ongoing activities of other government departments, such as touring one of six demonstration woodlots or participating in a family fishing day. The themes for each week are as follows:
May 15 to 21 -- The Great Outdoors
May 22 to 28 -- Explore a Trail
May 29 to June 4 -- Try a New Activity
June 5 to 11 -- Use Pedal Power
June 12 to 18 -- Get out and Play
More information on the SummerActive events will be listed on posters and flyers throughout Island communities, and can be obtained on the SummerActive website at www.gov.pe.ca/go/summeractive.
“There are many outdoor activities that Islanders can participate in free of charge,” said Minister MacFadyen. “The community recreation departments and sports groups are working very hard to create, support, and offer activities and facilities for Islanders to enjoy, and I want to thank them for their commitment.
“I encourage everyone to lace up a pair of sneakers on Fridays, get outside and participate in some form of physical activity, and also to take advantage of the many activities offered during the theme weeks.”
