The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
A total of 2,300 people participated in the 2nd Annual Northern Physical Activity Week (NPAW), sponsored by the Northern Diabetes Prevention Coalition. The event was held in communities across northern Saskatchewan from May 3-9. There was a huge increase in participation from last year, when 1,563 participants took part in the inaugural event. Participants represented 22 northern communities and 41 northern organizations, an increase from 13 communities in 2003. The 2,300 participants earned a total of 50,365.6 activity points during the 2004 event, an average of 21.9 points per participant. The 2003 participants earned a total of 21,893.5 activity points, for an average of 14 points per person. One point is equal to 15 minutes of physical activity. The results show an obvious increase in participation during the NPAW from 2003 to 2004. This year, organizations and schools were asked to participate on their own or to work together and register the whole community. In 2004, 12 schools, 20 workplaces, seven recreation departments, one daycare and one church participated. Participants were asked to assess their current level of activity (inactive, moderately active, or highly active) and each level had a target goal number of points to strive towards. Participants reaching their goal were rewarded with a T-shirt. Participants falling short of reaching their goal were rewarded with a frisbee. Of the total 2,300, 1780 participants received T-shirts, while 520 received frisbees. Organizations/communities were asked to involve as many people as possible in the 2004 NPAW. They were then awarded participation recognition awards based on the percentage of individuals who participated in the NPAW. See 'Receive' P.# Con't from P.# The Stroller's Award was given to communities and organizations that achieved NPAW participation from 1-25% of their total population. The Walker's Award was given to communities and organizations that achieved NPAW participation from 26-50% of their total population. The Jogger's Award was given to communities and organizations that achieved NPAW participation from 51-75% of their total population. The Marathon Runner's Award was given to communities and organizations that achieved NPAW participation from 76-100% of their total population. The Participant Award was given to those communities and organizations that participated in the 2004 NPAW, but did not note their total population on their form. A total of 29 Participant Awards, two Stroller's Awards, two Walker's Awards, three Jogger's Awards and five Marathon Runner's Awards were earned. A total of 205 people took part in Creighton. Total activity points combined were 7,145, for an average of 34.9 points per participant, well over the average for other communities. Creighton has participated in the NPAW both years. The Town of Creighton received a Participant Award, while the Mamawetan Churchill River Regional Health Authority received a Stroller's Award.
