News Feature

                                          For Immediate Release

May 5, 2004

Bike/Walk to Work Challenge starts May 17 in Owen Sound

You hear the advice – “Try to fit at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your day”.  It’s hard to find the time to do this, especially as a working adult.

The 2^nd annual Owen Sound Bike/Walk to Work Challenge runs from May 17 to June 28.  It’s the easy way to fit activity into your day. 

And it’s a way to win prizes, like a $1000 bike from Jolley’s Alternative Wheels.  Even commuters can take part.  Park your car 15 minutes from work, and walk back and forth to your vehicle.   You can walk, run or bike to work – once, a couple of times, or even every day of the Challenge.  And you get to enter a ballot every time you do it.

It’s simple to get involved – call Public Health to sign up your workplace and get ballot forms, or check our website under Physical Activity.  Enter your ballots at City Hall, Jolley’s Alternative Wheels, Public Health and participating workplaces.

If you’re trying to overcome your excuses -- I’m out of shape … it takes too long … it’s too far -- you don’t have to do it alone.  Come to one of the biking seminars, TGIF lunch walks or beginner running clinics.

Join us on May 17^th at 8:00 a.m. at Owen Sound City Hall when Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn and Owen Sound Mayor Ruth Lovell kick off the challenge.  Everyone is invited to attend and light refreshments will be served.  Check the public health website or alternativewheels.com for even more event information about wildflower hikes and mountain bike excursions. 

If you’re unsure about the best route to take to work, a copy of the new bike/walk map will help you get around Owen Sound.  It’s available at all the places mentioned above.  Don’t forget to enter your name for great weekly and grand prizes like custom bleaching kits from Georgian Family Dentistry, walking shoes and pedometers! And enjoy your walk or wheel to work!

Those who live, work or commute in Owen Sound and who are interested in participating can call Pat Feltis at the Public Health Unit at 376-9420 Ext. 268. 

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For more information, please contact:

Betty Perkins, Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit, Walkerton Office

(519) 881-1920