For the past six weeks, thousands of British Columbians have taken the Healthy Families BC Walking Challenge in hopes of winning weekly draw prizes and the $10,000 prize for their community to support the development of walking trails.

With 141 entries, Abbotsford has won $10,000 in the 100,001-or-more population category. The other winners in their population-size category are:

• Tumbler Ridge - population under 5,000
• Quesnel - population 5,001 to 10,000
• Esquimalt - population 10,001 to 25,000
• Penticton - population 25,001 to 100,000

One of these five winning communities is now eligible for the grand prize of an extra $50,000.

By getting out walking and sharing their stories, pictures, videos and maps, families won great prizes like pedometers, fitness passes and family fun packs. Entrants were also eligible to win one of six trips to resort destinations across the province.

During the six-week challenge over 5,000 entries were shared, including 2,500 photos and over 700 maps from across the province.

The Healthy Families BC Walking Challenge was offered in collaboration with 2010 Legacies Now and funded by the Provincial Health Service Authority as part of the Healthy Families BC initiative of the BC Ministry of Health.

Quotes:

Randy Hawes, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission -

"I am proud to see residents from our region participated so actively in this challenge. Way to go, Abbotsford."

George W. Peary, mayor of Abbotsford -

"Once again, Abbotsford residents have displayed their amazing community spirit and pride by participating in the Healthy Families BC Walking Challenge. While our community is fortunate to enjoy many outdoor amenities like the Discovery Trail, winning this challenge will help to ensure we can continue to provide additional opportunities for our citizens to become more active."

Quick Facts:

• B.C. has the highest physical activity rates for youth and adults compared to other provinces and territories across Canada.
• Physical activity helps to prevent chronic diseases like cancer, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
• The direct and indirect cost of physical inactivity in our province is estimated to be $573 million annually.
• British Columbia boasts over 530 trails.
• BC Parks is celebrating 100 years this year.

Learn More:

View entries and get ideas for walks in your area at: www.HealthyFamiliesBCWalkingChallenge.ca

For tips on how to make physical activity part of your daily routine visit: www.HealthyFamiliesBC.ca

Many trails throughout British Columbia are easily accessible for everyone. Find trails near you and other outdoor activities at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/index.html

Media Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)