October 05, 2006

BRANDON—A new trial initiative that allowed rural libraries to loan pedometers and information on physical activity to Manitobans will now be offered to all libraries throughout the province, Healthy Living Minister Kerry Irvin-Ross announced here today at the launch of Brandon in motion.

“Pedometers are a fun and easy way to measure your physical activity levels and can be used to help you set your exercise goals,” said Irvin-Ross. “This program has been very successful at the libraries that participated in the trial initiative.”

Manitoba Healthy Living and Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism have partnered to develop and implement the initiative. One thousand pedometer kits will be made available to libraries throughout the province. The kits will include a pedometer and a coil-bound manual that includes a variety of information about walking and the use of pedometers, which can be loaned to library patrons.

Libraries will also receive in motion posters which have space to include local event information and in motion bookmarks, pamphlets and copies of the Walking, the Activity of a Lifetime booklet for borrowers to keep.

“People visiting their local library will be able to pick up one of these kits as well as check out a wide range of other resources on active living and healthy lifestyles,” said Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Eric Robinson, minister responsible for sport. “This program is a simple and cost-effective way to provide pedometers to Manitobans, helping reduce barriers to physical activity and encouraging people to make healthy choices.”

“We are also delighted to see Brandon getting in motion," said Irvin-Ross. "Since launching Manitoba in motion last October, we have seen communities come together in creative ways to increase physical activity and the province is proud to support Brandonites who want to get fit, get active and get healthy."

Irvin-Ross said communities around the province had scheduled a wide range of physical activities to celebrate the first anniversary of Manitoba in motion including:

• a Brandon in motion kickoff that includes a mass-participation walking parade, couch races and displays;

• the raking of and bagging of leaves by a Baldur nursery school;

• numerous athletic activities by Youth for Christ in Selkirk;

• a community-wide leap-frog activity sponsored by Nelson House students and community members;

• a Spirit walk by Grand Marais/East Beach communities; and

• a community walk and school activities by the town of Beausejour.

Yesterday Irvin-Ross and Robinson, at the first anniversary celebration of in motion, announced Motivators in motion, an initiative that recognizes Manitobans who promote regular physical activity within their community.

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