News Release Archive
SPORT/RECREATION--SUMMER ACTIVE 96 - OSTEOPOROSIS WALK ----------------------------------------------------------------- Focusing on the health benefits of active living, the national Summer Active 96 campaign will be launched Saturday, with a Walk for Osteoporosis at the Halifax Commons. The national Walk for Osteoporosis begins Walking Week, the first week of activities in Summer Active 96's three-month campaign which runs until July 28, 1996. More than 100 events have already been planned by volunteer groups, municipalities and businesses across Nova Scotia. "I encourage Nova Scotians to take a step towards active living, by participating in the Summer Active 96 activities in their communities," said Sport and Recreation Minister Jay Abbass. The Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission is one of the provincial sponsors of the Summer Active campaign. National sponsors are Health Canada, Participaction and a number of corporate sponsors. This year events in Nova Scotia include: sneaker days at schools, businesses and daycares; trail walks, organized by municipal parks and recreation groups; and fun and fitness weeks at nursing homes. "The activities organized across Nova Scotia, from elementary schools in Sydney, to day cares in Halifax, to 4-H Clubs in Bridgewater, show a great interest in participating and promoting healthy and active lifestyles," said Mr. Abbass. "Thanks to the volunteers who have developed these events, Nova Scotians throughout the province will be able to be active participants in Summer Active 96 in their own neighbourhoods." This is the first year Summer Active is beginning its campaign with a national walk. The osteoporosis walk raises money for awareness, research and education. Research has shown that regular activity can help prevent the onset and severity of osteoporosis by building stronger bones. The organizers of the walk extend a special invitation to mother and daughter duos to participate in this walk which is held the day before Mother's Day. Another first this year is the extension of Summer Active 96 to a three-month campaign. In 1995, Summer Active was launched as a two-month campaign of active living events across Canada. More than two million Canadians participated in 7,700 events. In Nova Scotia there were over 200 events drawing thousands of participants. Mr. Abbass will be on hand Saturday at the opening ceremonies of the Summer Active 96 campaign and Osteoporosis Walk. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the kickoff scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at the Scotia Branch Legion on Cunard Street. The walk begins at 10 a.m. at the Halifax Commons. -30- Contact: Norma MacIsaac 902-424-5427 trp May 10, 1996 - 9:20 a.m.