January 25, 2016

On Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Medicine Hat College’s (MHC) Be Fit for Life Centre (BFFL) is hosting and promoting the 10^th Annual Winter Walk Day. This provincial event encourages individuals to walk for their health, environment and to help strengthen communities.   

Last year, approximately 7,500 participants took part from the region and 160,000 provincially - a number that Tara Chisholm, wellness programmer, is hoping to increase.

“We are a partner of the community-collaborative, Moving and Choosing, which is helping us raise awareness of this initiative in schools, workplaces, and with individuals throughout the region,” says Chisholm. “We think it’s important for all ages to get involved.”

Participants can take part in one of the following BFFL hosted walks or participate with their own event, group or as an individual:

• Redcliff Senior Centre at 9:30 a.m.
• Strathcona Centre at 11 a.m.
• Medicine Hat College at 12:10 p.m.
• MHC’s Brooks Campus at 12:10 p.m.
• Lakeside Leisure Centre (Brooks, AB) at 12:10 p.m.
• MHC Family Fun Walk at 4:30 p.m.  

“Whether it’s coworkers walking as part of their coffee break or someone just hitting the pavement and taking a stroll around the block, everyone has an opportunity to get out, get active and be part of this initiative,” says Chisholm.

During the Family Fun Walk at the college, BFFL has partnered with MHC Campus Rec and the Midget AA Hockey Hounds to host a Winter Carnival for families. There will be games as well as winter Paralympians and MHC Rattlers available to sign autographs.

“This is the tenth anniversary for the Winter Walk Day so it’s nice to be able to add the Winter Carnival. We think it will be a fun way to get all ages involved while raising awareness of the benefits of embracing a healthy lifestyle,” says Chisholm.

Winter Walk Day is promoted by Safe Healthy Active People Everywhere (SHAPE) Alberta and supported by the Alberta Be Fit for Life Network. To register click here.