VANCOUVER, July 17, 2009 - The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), today took part in the ParticipACTION Sun Life Inspire the Nation tour, a live event that brings ParticipACTION's national public awareness campaign to life in 31 communities across the country throughout the summer.
"I'm pleased to be here in Vancouver, host city of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Our Government believes physical activity has an important role to play in the lives of our young people and recognizes the need to get all Canadians involved in active living," said Minister of State Lunn. "We commend ParticipACTION's hard work and efforts to get Canadians moving."
"This exciting campaign will inspire Canadians to see the many fun opportunities that come from participating in sport and active living. I challenge all Canadians to embrace the power of fitness and sport," added Minister of State Lunn.
The Government of Canada is committed to increasing awareness among Canadians of the health and social benefits of sport participation and physical activity. By providing the Children's Fitness Tax Credit to Canadian families and supporting important programs like ParticipACTION, it is taking steps to encourage Canadians to live active, healthy lives.
The ParticipACTION Sun Life Inspire the Nation tour is hosted in partnership with local community organizations, such as YMCAs and municipal recreation departments. Events include a mobile video booth where Canadians can record their own stories of the ways in which they get active, the distribution of pedometers, and ambient media installations that encourage people to get active. So far, 9 cities have been visited by the ParticipACTION Sun Life Inspire the Nation tour since the official launch in Toronto on June 26, 2009.
Michelle Yao
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1131
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
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