Media Releases

PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHES WINNIPEG in motion

At Least 30-60 Minutes of Daily Physical Activity Needed for Better Health

Today, Mayor Sam Katz, University of Manitoba President Dr. EmÅ‘ke J. E. Szathmáry and Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr. Brian Postl officially launched Winnipeg in motion, a physical activity promotion strategy that will help Winnipeg residents to make physical activity a regular part of their daily life.

The goal of Winnipeg in motion is to encourage all Winnipeggers to get at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity every day for health benefits. Regular physical activity helps to maintain strong muscles and ones, boosts energy,helps to manage stress, and lowers the risk of health problems.

Mayor Katz said, “in motion has the potential to mobilize large numbers of Winnipeggers to get up, get out and get moving for health benefits.

Mayor Katz added, “by building awareness of the benefits of physical activity and by developing partnerships at the community level and across organizations, we can help all of our citizens to get ‘in motion’.”

Dr. Szathmáry said, “we are pleased to work together with the City of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, and Manitoba in motion, to support our communities in their efforts to be more physically active.”

“By sharing our collective knowledge, expertise and resources, we can help todevelop community capacity and support effective community strategies aimed at increasing physical activity.”

Dr. Postl said, “we face a growing epidemic of chronic disease, and one of the leading causes is our lack of physical activity. We need to take action now.”

“Through in motion, we are bringing various sectors of our communities together to achieve a common goal—to make physical activity a regular part of everyday life for all Winnipeggers, so that we can prevent premature deaths and suffering from chronic disease.”

Postl urged all Winnipeggers to be active, every day. “Many people feel they are too busy to fit activity in. But it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive or take very much time. It’s great if you can do 30-60 minutes of activity all at once, but you can be active in 10-minute blocks if that’s an easier way to get started. Every movement counts.”

Winnipeg in motion kicks off with a public awareness campaign to build awareness of the benefits of physical activity. Information and tips on how to get physically active are available at the Winnipeg in motion website at www.winnipeginmotion.ca, or by calling Winnipeg in motion at 940-3648.

The Winnipeg in motion partnership includes the City of Winnipeg, the University of Manitoba and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, in collaboration with Manitoba in motion.

Media inquiries may be directed to Heidi Graham, Director of Media Relations, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, at 926-7178.