Hands up if you’d like to sleep in this weekend? That’s okay! But don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate National Health and Fitness Day, this Saturday, June 6. Passed by parliamentarians last December, the first Saturday in June will be an annual opportunity in Canada to promote and take part in local health and wellness, sports and recreation activities.
The day is designed to inspire all Canadians to become more active and healthy. Initiated by MP John Weston (West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country) working closely with Senator Nancy Greene Raine, the movement is boosted by support among municipalities, including the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD).
Nationally, incentive for the initiative is a little jarring. According to the Canadian Sport for Life organization, 93 per cent of children and 85 per cent of adults in our country are not meeting Canada’s physical activity guidelines. Almost 30 per cent of Canadian children are overweight or obese, increasing risks of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, diabetes or depression. The hope is that promoting National Health and Fitness Day will help wake up Canadians to the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.
On the beautiful Sun-shine Coast, a mecca for casual and organized sports and recreation, the opportunities to join in and have fun on June 6 and every day are almost endless. You could simply go for a bike ride, attend a local drop-in yoga or Pilates class, go for a paddle on a kayak or stand up paddleboard, check out a local hiking trail, or go for a short jog or a power walk.
Organized events include a free sampler workout at the Seaside Centre Courtyard in Sechelt, on Saturday, June 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It’s a chance to try activities and exercises from boot camp, dance, yoga and more, plus meet the wonderful fitness leaders of the SCRD. Afterwards, check out the nearby Sechelt Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market on Cowrie Street, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for some healthy and locally grown foods to snack on.
Also on Saturday, all SCRD recreation facilities will be offering special reduced rates for entry including $5 for families, $3 for adults and seniors and $1 for teens. While the pool in Sechelt is closed for maintenance, the weight room will be open as usual from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For hours and schedules of activities at all facilities, see scrd.ca
Rather get pickled this weekend? You can do that too! Check out one of the largest provincial pickleball tournaments on June 6 and 7 at Gibsons Community Centre. The Arena Bowl Pickleball Challenge might just inspire you to try this fun sport, which offers coaching and training through the Sunshine Coast Pickle-ball Association (sunshinecoastpickleball.org).
