ParticipACTION invites local governments to participate in the Community Better Challenge and compete for the title of Canada's Most Active Community. Prizes range from $10,000 to $150,000 and can be used to support local physical activity initiatives.
The winner of Canada's Most Active Community will receive $150,000. Five regional winners will also be recognized and receive $20,000 each. One community in BC will be recognized as British Columbia's Most Active Community and will be awarded $10,000 thanks to the generous support of the Government of British Columbia.
The Community Better Challenge encourages all Canadians to sit less and move more together. Two goals whose benefits are clearly articulated in A Common Vision for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary living in Canada: Let's Get Moving and Pathways to Wellbeing, The Framework for Recreation in Canada.
How does it work? The ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge will determine the most active community based on the number of tracked physical activity minutes divided by the population from May 31st to June 16th. Individuals can track minutes using the ParticipACTION app, and organizations can track physical activity minutes for a group like a Phys. Ed. class, soccer team or group swimming class at a recreation centre. All tracked minutes go toward the community's score.
Local governments can get involved by endorsing and participating in the Community Better Challenge. By taking the lead, you are inspiring your community to be more physically active, create inclusive programming and be more socially connected. ParticipACTION encourages you to participate in the Community Better Challenge by:
- Tracking existing local government events where people are active
- Hosting an event for the public that promotes physical activity
- Encouraging your residents to download the ParticipACTION app and track their minutes
- Encouraging community organizations to register events and track the physical activity
Earlier this year ParticipACTION distributed $110,000 across 158 organizations in BC to run and track Community Better Challenge events.