I Can fitness program kicks off
AJAX -- In Ajax, I Can, so everyone can.
I Can, the Town's new initiative aimed at getting people active, was kicked off Monday morning at the McLean Community Centre.
The I Can program is the first recommendation coming out of the Sports and Physical Activity Strategy, adopted by the Town in late April.
The aim of the program is to "connect residents with places to play and there are places to play in Ajax," said Howie Dayton, Ajax's director of recreation and culture.
About 75 people attended the kick-off, which included interactive displays and activities that promote fitness.
"We all have to take on that motto of I Can because we all have to be responsible for our own health," said Margarett Best, Ontario's minister of health promotion.
The government's Communities in Action fund has "already benefited more than one million Ontarians" and the goal is "a stronger and healthier province."
The Town received $36,000 from the fund to help with the physical activity strategy.
Spending time exercising "will save billions in the health-care system," Ms. Best said, noting the fund pushes to "encourage, educate and motivate people to lead better lives."
"We have a serious problem today in our society," said Mayor Steve Parish, pointing to figures that show 60 per cent of men and 43 per cent of women in Durham Region are considered overweight or obese.
Also, more than 50 per cent of children aren't getting enough exercise, he said, with children spending on average about six hours a day watching TV or on the computer.
The I Can program aim is to "make Ajax the healthiest community in Ontario," said the mayor. "We want to build an active lifestyle into everyone's day."
"Just by increasing awareness of the opportunities that exist" will help promote the program, said Kevin Smith, the Town's active living co-ordinator.
One new program is Family Free Fitness Fridays at the Town hall. Sessions are at Heritage Square in front of the building and begin at 6:30 p.m., running each Friday until Aug. 22.
About 70 per cent of Ajax residents say not having enough time is the reason for not exercising, he said. "So we have to bring it to them."
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