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THE CORPORATION OF THE

CITY OF WHITE ROCK

15322 BUENA VISTA AVENUE, WHITE ROCK, B.C. V4B 1Y6

M E D I A R E L E A S E

October 7, 2008

The community-wide activity challenge returns

It’s time to get moving again White Rock with The Walk to Pike Place Market Community Challenge!

A follow-up event to last spring’s Every Step Counts Community Challenge, The Walk to Pike Place begins on October 15, and runs until November 21. During that time, residents will be challenged to walk 225,000 steps—or the distance to Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market.

Participants will track their steps daily using a pedometer and record them on the

www.activitychallenge.ca website (developed by ActNow BC) or in personal log books. Other physical activities—including shopping, housework, or yoga--can also be converted to steps as part of the challenge.

"We’ve been challenging residents to become more active for a while now," says Mayor Judy Forster. "The Walk to Pike Place Market is great way for people of all ages and abilities to become more conscious of their activity levels and literally take the next steps to better health."

All participants who register for the Walk will be entered into weekly prize draws. Anyone who virtually reaches Pike Place Market will be entered to win a healthy eating gift basket filled with healthy snacks and a $100 gift certificate from Choices Market, plus a smoothie blender and recipe book.

Of course, all participants will receive the free health benefits that come with physical activity including lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, increased bone density, and reduced risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Walking has also been shown to help osteoarthritis and increase flexibility and coordination.

"Being a healthy community starts by encouraging people to get moving," says Councillor James Coleridge, council designate for Active White Rock. "We’re really excited about helping residents make regular physical activity a more significant part of their lives."

In January 2006, the City pledged, as part of the ActNow BC drive, to increase the proportion of its citizens who are physically active by 20 per cent by 2010. This past spring, over 690 people took up the challenge to virtually walk to Whistler, and collectively walked 98,000,000 steps.

To put that number in perspective, a trip from one end of the promenade to the other, including the pier, is 7,000 steps.

Residents may register for The Walk to Pike Place Challenge through White Rock Leisure Services (604.541.2161) for just $5. ActNow BC

Pedometers are available for an additional $5

while supplies last.

Contact:

Lisa Kempton

Special Events Coordinator

City of White Rock

e-mail: lkempton@city.whiterock.bc.ca

tel: 604.541.2236