Here comes Winter Health and Fitness Week
Following the success of this year’s virtual National Health and Fitness Day, which saw Canadians engaging in physical activity from coast to coast back in June, organizers have decided to host a week-long winter-themed follow-up. With an emphasis on encouraging people to get out of their houses and moving with winter-themed sports and activities, it will be hosted with all the COVID-19 pandemic health protocols in place at all times.
It will be held from Feb. 1 to 7, 2021.
“When we’ve held National Health and Fitness Day in the past, the emphasis sometimes seemed to skew toward the fitness aspect and not the health part as much. This crisis has given us all a reason to reflect on the value of our health, and a reminder that it’s the foundation the rest of your life is built on,” said Sue Holloway, lead organizer of the event.
“At this point, people are getting pretty grumpy cooped up in their houses. The intention of this event is to bring a little joy and movement into people’s lives.”
This event will be hosted with the collaboration and cooperation of organizations such as Active for Life, ParticipACTION, the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Heritage. Sport for Life is proud to be on that list. In the past the event has been championed by Olympian Nancy Greene Raine, and this year’s event will feature high profile backers such as Senator Marty Deacon and Senator and Paralympian Chantal Petitclerc.
To participate in this year’s annual event, participants should follow National Health and Fitness Day on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. There will be a social media challenge, daily online workouts and community resources. CEO Richard Way is thrilled the event is going forward, and plans to make movement a priority during that week. As a former luge athlete and coach, he’s always loved winter.
“First off, going fast on a luge sled, flying over the snow and ice brings joy to everyone so having this event is exactly the sort of cross-sectoral collaboration we’re going to need going forward through this pandemic, thus I applaud the organizers of Winter Health and Fitness Week for their fast action and innovation in prioritizing movement and reaching a population struggling through these tumultuous times. We know COVID-19 has had an impact on our collective health, now we need to work together to envision the way forward. Get outside and have some fun!”
For more information on Winter Health and Fitness Week, visit www.nhfdcan.ca
