Richmond is again British Columbia’s Most Active Community. ParticipACTION, the national organization promoting healthy living and physical fitness, announced the honour today when unveiling the winners of its 2024 Community Challenge, a nation-wide physical activity initiative encouraging Canadians to get active.
The award recognizes the community’s activity levels and the creative ways staff and community partners in Richmond motivated residents of all ages to get physically active during June. Richmond was also BC’s Most Active Community in 2022.
“The City of Richmond is again delighted to receive this honour that reinforces that we continue to be one of Canada’s most active communities,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Our ongoing commitment to providing safe, fun and accessible recreational opportunities for all ages is reflected in the level of enthusiasm and participation. Initiatives such as free or low-cost events, fee subsidies and ongoing promotion of the benefits of physical activity all inspire our residents to remain active, connected and healthy.”
Along with the prestigious title, the City receives $15,000 for community programming to increase physical activity for Richmond residents and implement the Council-approved Community Wellness, and Recreation and Sport strategies.
Throughout June, almost 630 individuals took the pledge to get active in Richmond. Over 30 Richmond organizations registered for the Community Challenge, offering more than 540 physical activity initiatives, programs and events attended by approximately 258,000 participants in activities ranging from individual sessions to team sports.
Among the organizations joining the City in the 2024 Community Challenge were the Richmond Olympic Oval, School District No. 38, Vancouver Coastal Health, Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the 10th Richmond Sea Scouts, Forever Young Club, and various Community Associations and Societies.
Numerous free or low-cost events, programs and activities encouraged participation across Richmond. Local Community Associations and Societies engaged in neighbourhood-based outreach and invited residents to take part in Challenge events fostering neighbourhood connections, along with free ‘try-it’ sessions open to all.
The City recognizes that health and fitness is important. Being active is not only an excellent way to achieve individual physical and mental wellbeing; it also builds stronger, healthier and more vibrant communities.
Along with being designated a Global Active City through the Active Well-being Initiative, Richmond has been one of Canada’s Top 50 Most Active Communities since the annual Community Challenge began in 2019.
The ParticipACTION Community Challenge is presented by Novo Nordisk with funding by the Government of Canada, Novo Nordisk, and supporting partner, Saputo.
To learn more about Richmond’s involvement in the challenge, visit richmond.ca/participaction or the Community Challenge website at participaction.com