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 1,155 entries, Tumbler Ridge has won $10,000 in the 5,000 and under population category. The other winners in their population-size category are:

• Quesnel - population 5,001 to 10,000
• Esquimalt - population 10,001 to 25,000
• Penticton - population 25,001 to 100,000
• Abbotsford - population 100,001 +

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:

Larry White, mayor of

"We did it, Tumbler Ridge! Thank you to those of you who participated and encouraged others to do so as well."

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

Have a look at this photo (flickr.com) of the mayors of winning communities.

Here's a shot (flickr.com) of Tumbler Ridge council members at UBCM accepting congratulations - and a cheque for $50K - from B.C.'s health minister.

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)