Sporting his favourite jersey today, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett, on behalf of Health Minister Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid, took a walk around Victoria's inner harbour with UBCM delegates to celebrate Jersey Day.

A national day to show community and team support, Jersey Day helps to ramp up community spirit before Sports Day in Canada. Everyone of all ages and professions is encouraged to wear a jersey today, Jersey Day, in support of their favourite sport.

"Whether it be a community or professional team, I'm encouraging everyone to wear a jersey today," said Bennett. "Our government is committed to vibrant and healthy communities. Jersey Day enables everyone to show off their civic pride through their favourite team, proving that sport has the power to unify us all."

Tomorrow, communities across the nation will be celebrating Sports Day in Canada. Sept. 29, 2012 marks the third annual Sports Day in Canada, a national celebration of sport at all levels. It caps off a week of more than a thousand events and activities, such as community-wide festivals, tournaments and other fun, family-friendly events, many of which will be televised on CBC Sports. Over 200 events are taking place throughout the province, which is the highest level of participation from B.C. yet.

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Jersey Day, along with Sports Day in Canada, is presented by ParticipACTION, True Sport, CBC Sports and supported by Healthy Families BC.

"We encourage all British Columbians to wear their hearts on their sleeves today and show their support for sport," said ParticipACTION president and CEO Kelly Murumets, "Sports Day in Canada is a time to celebrate the power of sport to strengthen communities and encourage healthy, active living."

B.C. is the first jurisdiction to partner with ParticipACTION to further promote healthy living and physical activity in British Columbia. The B.C. government has invested $6 million in this partnership to build on existing programs, in conjunction with other community-based partners, to make the physically active choice the easy choice for all British Columbians.

For more information on Jersey Day and Sports Day in Canada, visit: www.cbcsports.ca/sportsday.

Media Contact:

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