Saskatchewan universities mark National Health and Fitness Day with new partnership initiative to get Saskatchewan moving
Canada is facing an inactivity crisis – daily physical activity is on the decline and preventable illness is on the rise.
That’s why the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina are combining forces to launch a new province-wide physical activity initiative called the Physical Activity Hub. The Physical Activity Hub will be a virtual space designed to bring researchers and students together with front line leaders to learn, share information, and inspire innovative solutions to get Saskatchewan people moving.
“Saturday, June 3rd is National Health and Fitness Day, a Public Health Agency of Canada initiative to challenge Canadians to become the fittest nation on earth by getting out and getting active, which makes this an ideal time to announce the Physical Activity Hub,” says Dr. Harold Riemer, Dean of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina.
A formal launch of the Physical Activity Hub will occur in fall 2023, in the interim, the Universities invite anyone interested in taking action to increase physical activity in Saskatchewan to join the Physical Activity Hub on social media channels and stay up to date on activities such as a web-based resource library, workshops, research projects, and new community initiatives that will roll out over the next few months.
“Universities are a tremendous resource to our Saskatchewan communities,” says Dr. Joel Lanovaz, Dean of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan. “We are excited for the opportunity the Physical Activity Hub provides to build closer relationships between members of our faculties and community leaders. This will be an important step forward to increase physical activity and health in our province.”
The Physical Activity Hub is an in motion legacy initiative. From 2003 – 2021 Saskatchewan in motion was a mainstay in physical activity promotion in Saskatchewan and a model program for the country. On March 31, 2021, Saskatchewan in motion closed their provincial operations.
“Supported by in motion, schools, communities and organizations have done tremendous work to increase physical activity in our province,” says Dr Louise Humbert, past President of Saskatchewan in motion. “We are pleased that the Physical Activity Hub will build on the legacy left by the in motion program, by providing access to tools, resources, research and expertise to support and enhance continued community action.”
USask contact:
Alyssa WiebeCommunications and Advancement
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-966-4562
Email: alyssa.wiebe@usask.ca
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About the University of Regina
Set in the heart of the Canadian prairies we are a comprehensive, mid-sized university where the opportunities are as limitless as the horizon. Our campuses are on Treaty 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. It is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future for all. Our three federated colleges, 10 faculties, 25 academic departments, and 18 research centres foster innovative research with practical and theoretical applications. We are committed to cultivating the potential of our 16,700 students and supporting their health and well-being. We take learning beyond the classroom through work and volunteer experiences to develop career-ready graduates.
Let’s go far, together.
About the University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is located in Saskatoon, Sask., on Treaty 6 territory and the traditional homeland of the Métis. Research, teaching and learning at USask are enhanced by its array of world-class centres and facilities. A range of excellent programs, from business, law and public policy to engineering, agriculture, medicine and veterinary medicine, positions USask to bring unique perspectives to key global challenges. With more than 25,700 students from around the globe, including nearly 3,300 self-declared Indigenous students, our strong community and well-recognized experts will continue to drive USask to be the university the world needs.