Posted on Dec 02, 2008
Dec 2, 2008 | Halifax, N.S. - Eight youth from across the province will form a team to help the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia develop a youth walking program as part of the organization’s Heart&StrokeWalkabout initiative. The team members were selected from a contest held in October and November for youth 13-16 in Nova Scotia.
The team members include: Joseph Arthur, Dartmouth; Samantha Burns, Halifax; Robert Ellis, Millbrook; Melissa Legge, Halifax; Meranda Oliver, Kingston; Brianna Smith, Parrsboro; Jonathan Smith, Glace Bay; and Sarah Warnell, Lower Sackville.
“We have a diverse and creative group, and we’re thrilled to have all of them on the team,” said Fran Dunn, Physical Activity Coordinator at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. “The videos all provide a different perspective on walking. From using humour or fear, to literally taking us in a walk, these participants point out a number of factors that influence the choice for youth to walk and we can’t wait to work with them to find out more.”
A youth walking strategy is one of the latest components of the Foundation’s Heart&Stroke Walkabout initiative, which launched in October 2007. The contest was sponsored by CTV with support from Rogers, Aerobics First, the Lord Nelson Hotel and Acadian.
The contest was open to all youth ages 13-16 in Nova Scotia. Despite expressive interest and promotional efforts, only eight submissions were received. According to Dunn, this provides even more of an opportunity and underscores the need of action that involves youth from the beginning. “This contest was our first step to engage youth in the walking culture we’re creating. We need to understand what motivates them; do they even think walking and walkability are issues that affect their lives? We don’t know, but we have a team to help us find out. The submissions we received were incredibly thought-provoking and demonstrated time and commitment from those who participated.”
As part of the contest, YouTube viewers could also vote for their favourite submission. Over the course of the month-long contest there were over 1,000 views of the contest with many comments and votes. Members of the Heart&Stroke WalkaboutTM Youth Action Team will be outfitted with cellphones courtesy of Rogers and will receive cool clothing gear from Aerobics First. In addition, the team will get to know each other over the next couple of months as they discuss hot to get their peers walking. The team will spend two days together in Spring 2009 to help advise on the development of the walking program.
To view the winning videos, visit www.youtube.com/walkaboutns. Dunn notes that the opportunity to create your own walking message is not over. “Creating a walking culture is just beginning,” said Dunn. “We want Nova Scotians of all ages to help tell and share their walking story with us or among their friends. Post comments or videos to our YouTube channel or check out our cool viral application tool on the Heart&StrokeWalkabout website at www.walkaboutns.ca and tell us where walking takes you.”
Heart&Stroke Walkabout is a five-year physical activity initiative of the Heart&Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection, and the Ecology Action Centre. It is not a fundraising initiative. Walkabout is supported by Pfizer, the presenting sponsor, Nova Scotia Department of Health, and Pharmasave. For more information visit www.walkaboutns.ca.
Contact:
Allen McAvoy
External Relations Manager
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia
423-7682 x 321
Jolene Titus
Communications Manager
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia
423-7682 x 315
Categorized under media release, physical activity, youth
