Three southeast Saskatchewan communities were entered in the 10th and final Saskatchewan Blue Cross/In Motion Go Out and Play Challenge.聽
Meadow Lake took top spot in the competition. Residents and supporters of that community logged more than 538,700 minutes of physical activity to hang on to the grand prize in the 10-day challenge, which ran from March 1-10. The community will use the $10,000 in prize money to improve lighting in Lions Park.聽
鈥淚t鈥檚 so great to see communities rally like this in support of outdoor play,鈥� said Saskatchewan In Motion manager Marnie Forsberg. 鈥淎fter a year of COVID restrictions, spending time outside is more important than ever.鈥澛�
Coming in second with 507,431 minutes was Langenburg. The community will put its $5,000 prize toward the town鈥檚 swimming pool project.聽
It was a record year for the challenge. Supporters of 38 communities recorded more than five million minutes to support projects that get kids and families out to play. In addition to the winners, 15 communities, including Carlyle, logged more than 100,000 minutes during the challenge.聽
Carlyle wound up in 14th spot. Carlyle鈥檚 submitted project was the outdoor spray park that will be constructed in the community.
Lampman finished 24th in the competition for its Pool Play Park.
Over 10 years, the challenge awarded $165,000 to 20 outdoor play projects and participants logged more than 28 million minutes of physical activity.聽
鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to think that we鈥檝e left a real legacy of play across the province with the help of our partner Saskatchewan Blue Cross,鈥� says Forsberg.聽
鈥淭he challenge always brings out such great community spirit and pride. Creating ways for communities to spur physical activity, safe connection and engagement has never been more essential,鈥� says Cheryl de Villiers, director of marketing and external affairs for Saskatchewan Blue Cross. 鈥淚t鈥檚 powerful to see 38 communities from across the province step up to take part in this incredible funding opportunity this year.鈥澛�
