MEDIA RELEASE
WALK30 2024 Challenge: Metro Vancouver Steps Up for Health and Community
MEDIA RELEASE
WALK30 2024 Challenge: Metro Vancouver Steps Up for Health and Community
The WALK30 Challenge has begun, organized by Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) in collaboration with TransLink, the cities of New Westminster and Burnaby, Health authorities, Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health. The WALK30 Challenge invites residents to embrace walking as a convenient and healthy form of transportation by walking at least 30 minutes a day for 30 days.
WALK30 is more than just a friendly competition; it's a community-wide effort to promote active living and foster connections among residents, which is going on from April 1st to April 30th. Last year's WALK30 Challenge recorded an impressive 1.2 million walking minutes by over 1000 active participants, showcasing the enthusiasm and dedication of Metro Vancouver residents to prioritize physical activity.
WALK30 allows residents to positively impact their health and the environment while connecting with their communities. By choosing walking over driving, participants contribute to reducing traffic congestion and pollution in their neighbourhoods, making their city healthier and more sustainable.
Each week, participants are inspired by different weekly themes highlighting the values the challenge promotes. This year includes Mindful Steps, Community Connections, Climate Action, and Accessibility. Weekly themes remind participants of the spirit behind the challenge, keeping them motivated and engaged throughout the month.
“The WALK30 Challenge is a tremendous opportunity for people of all ages and fitness levels to get outside and enjoy this wonderful community,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “Taking part in this challenge helps build pride in our community and, more importantly, helps establish healthy habits that will serve us well for the rest of our lives.”
“The WALK30 Challenge is back for the month of April and I’m hosting weekly walks with the Mayor on Wednesdays,” said Mayor of New Westminster Patrick Johnstone. “Taking part in the WALK30 Challenge is a great way to connect with your community and build healthy active travel habits all while reducing the traffic in our community, and taking a step away from pollution. Hope to see you out at one of my weekly walks or around town as we compete in the WALK30 Challenge for the coveted shoe-phy!”
“We were made to move. When we don’t, our health suffers . . . but when we do, we thrive.” Said Dr. Davidicus Wong, Burnaby Division of Family Practice
“We can all benefit from taking the time to do some physical activity, whether it’s for our physical or mental health, to make social connections, or to do our part to reduce our carbon footprint. Taking part in the Walk30 Challenge is an excellent way to reach this goal and to strengthen the wellbeing of the entire community by fostering social connectedness. I’m going to use Walk30 as an opportunity to increase my daily walking minutes and I hope to see you out there walking alongside us!” said Dr. Marianne Boisvert Moreau, PHPM Fellow, covering for Burnaby and New Westminster Medical Health Officer
Registration for the WALK30 2024 Challenge is still open! Participants can sign up online through the WALK30 website (bit.ly/WALK30-2024) to track their walking minutes throughout April. Individuals, schools and organizations are encouraged to join the challenge and promote walking as a fun and accessible form of physical activity.
About BEST:
Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable transportation options in Metro Vancouver. Through initiatives like the WALK30 Challenge, BEST creates healthier, more vibrant communities where multi-modal modes of transportation are prioritized.
Register now at www.walk30.ca
MEDIA CONTACTS:
BEST: Cayley McCallum
City of Burnaby: Samuel Tomkins
City of New Westminster: Steven Marter
Vancouver Coastal Health: Baljit Bassi
Fraser Health