Langenburg is $10,000 closer to having a new outdoor swimming pool.
Between March 1 and 10, the community of 1,100 people 45 minutes southeast of Yorkton logged more than half a million minutes of physical activity in the 2017 Blue Cross/Saskatchewan in Motion Go out and Play competition.
“It’s inspiring to see the creative ways communities are working to get more kids, more active, more often outdoors,” said Marnie Sinclair, Saskatchewan in Motion manager. “We’re proud of these communities for doing their part to make sure Saskatchewan kids have opportunities to participate in active outdoor play.”
Langenburg’s total of 506, 262 was good enough to beat out 25 other communities including neighbouring Churchbridge, which came in second place with 370, 056 minutes.
We’re feeling pretty proud about it right now,” said Don Fogg, Langenburg’s mayor. “I know a couple of girls who worked really hard to get everyone to participate.”
The women he was referring to were Juli Mitschke, director of parks and recreation, and Kaylea Simpson, economic development officer, who led the charge.
“We’re pretty excited,” Mitschke said. “It took a lot of time and effort.”
The town also participated last year, which gave them an idea of what it would take to win, which was, in a nutshell, an all-out effort.
“They were relentless,” Fogg said, also giving credit to schools, community organizations, businesses and every person from toddlers to grandparents, who got out and moved and logged their minutes.
“Langenburg has really great community spirit,” Mitschke said. “We’re driven to grow our town and crewate things to make it better.”
Churchbridge will receive $5,000 toward its designated project, a community sport park that includes a skate park, beach volleyball court and horseshoe pits.
In order to be eligible in the annual competition a community must complete an application signed by the mayor or chief and designate a project that improves access to outdoor physical activity opportunities, particularly for children.
The cities of Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw are not eligible, but community associations within those major centres have a second competitive track they can enter.
Only two community associations entered this year. Saskatoon Lakeridge Community Association won $10,000 with 406,000 physical activity minutes. The association will use the prize money to help build a joint-use playground for its park and elementary school.
