City Partners in Healthy Strides Walking Club Achievement Celebration
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The City of Vaughan, in partnership with Vaughan Mills and Mackenzie Health, held the Healthy Strides Walking Club Achievement Celebration on Thursday, November 22 where club members were officially recognized for their achievements.
Award recipients comprised Healthy Strides Walking Club members who reached one of the award levels outlined in the club program: Bronze: 300 laps; Silver: 500 laps; and Gold: 1,000 laps. In addition, awards were presented to three individuals who successfully completed the new Walk Across Canada Challenge by walking 4,860 laps around the mall, the equivalent of walking from Newfoundland to British Columbia.
“I want to thank Vaughan Mills and Mackenzie Health for joining with the City of Vaughan in this important health initiative in our community,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “As the Active Together Community Champion I am committed to encouraging our residents to lead healthier lives. It is important to participate in activities that have a positive impact on personal health and wellness, and this initiative is a fun and rewarding way to do so.”
The celebration included a victory lap walk around the mall with Mayor Bevilacqua.
The Healthy Strides initiative supports the City’s Active Together Physical Activity Strategy and goals. The first goal is to increase physical activity levels of Vaughan residents by 10 per cent and the second is to reduce their "screen time" by 10 per cent by the year 2020. Active Together, a component of Vaughan’s ten year Active Together Master Plan for the provision of parks, recreation, culture and library facilities and services, was launched in 2009.
“In promoting healthier lifestyles, City staff are reaching out to residents and encouraging them to take part in physical activities such as the Healthy Strides Walking Club,” said City Manager Clayton Harris.
The Healthy Strides walking club at Vaughan Mills is free for all ages and features fitness classes and health workshops. Members can walk daily from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. In addition, members can earn exciting rewards with each award level. The club was launched in 2008 and currently has 2,000 members and growing.
To register for the Healthy Strides walking club or for more information, visit the Vaughan Mills Guest Services kiosk between Neighbourhoods 4 & 5 or call 905-879-2110.
For more information about the Active Together Physical Activity Strategy and activities offered at Vaughan community centres, contact Heather McLean, Active Living Coordinator, Recreation & Culture Department, City of Vaughan at 905-832-8500 ext. 7438 or heather.mclean@vaughan.ca
Members of the Healthy Strides Walking Club take a victory lap at Vaughan Mills with Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council.