Belleville, ON, May 30, 2019 – For the first time ever, Hastings and Prince Edward Counties will be taking part in the Silver Chain Challenge, which begins Saturday, June 1. By participating in the Challenge, residents across Eastern Ontario will be engaging in a friendly competition for the highest number of kilometres biked and walked.
The Silver Chain Challenge promotes safe and healthy active transportation by encouraging residents to increase the time they spend walking or cycling. The month of June is a great time to try walking or cycling more frequently. Individuals who need to use a vehicle to get to work or school can still get active outdoors in their spare time. June is also Bike Month, which aims to increase awareness and safety related to cycling.
“We would like to encourage residents of all ages to take part in the Challenge, especially families with children. It’s a great opportunity to include them in activities that promote a healthy, active lifestyle,” says Hannah Brown, Community Engagement Officer for the City of Quinte West.
“This Challenge focuses on the benefits of being more active outdoors, which include improved mental and physical health, as well as the creation of vibrant, healthy communities,” says Sheryl Farrar, Manager of Healthy Communities for Hastings Prince Edward Public Health. “We hope that the Challenge will help our community become more aware of the benefits of active transportation and have fun at the same time.”
June 1st through 30th, residents can log their kilometres on the Silver Chain Challenge website. To register online, simply select your municipality and track your kilometres. A bar graph that shows up-to-date statistics will be displayed on the homepage of the website, so participants can easily keep track of their status. Another graph will indicate which community is the most engaged. Municipalities from Renfrew, Lanark, Hastings, and Prince Edward Counties are competing in this challenge.
Visit silverchainchallenge.ca to register.
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For additional information, contact;
Sheryl Farrar MHSc CHE, Manager
Healthy Communities
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
613-966-5500 x 487
sfarrar@hpeph.ca
Hannah Brown
Community Engagement Officer
City of Quinte West
613-392-2841 x 4455
hannah.brown@quintewest.ca
