The first-ever Healthy Community Challenge came to an end Saturday at an event held at the Fleetwood Community Centre in Surrey, with the City of Abbotsford being declared the clear victors.
“Abby kind of blew it out of the water – they did a great job,” said Curtis Christopherson of Innovative Fitness, which organized the event.
The three-month venture – in which participants learned how to get active and lead healthier lifestyles – encouraged B.C. residents to sign up online and take part alongside others from their communities.
For each activity – which could range from simply remembering to eat breakfast to going for a walk after work – participants earned points, which were then added to a larger pool and sorted by the community, in an effort to find which city has gained the most points.
In an effort to spur on residents, four Lower Mainland mayors – Surrey’s Dianne Watts, Abbotsford’s Bruce Banman, Langley City’s Peter Fassbender and Coquitlam’s Richard Stewart – also took part.
After points were tallied last week, Abbotsford scored 90,516 fitness points – more than double the 44,565 scored by Langley City residents. Surrey, meanwhile, scored 30,040 and Coquitlam 12,140.
“Mayor Banman really jumped in with both feet and provided a great example for his community,” Christopherson said.
In total, more than 5,000 residents signed up, and Christopherson expects that number to grow next year.
“We’re already talking with other communities who want to take part next time.”
