A Saskatchewan based initiative is looking to get kids moving by bringing out-of-the-box thinking to west central communities this summer. Saskatchewan in motion will be bringing a Community Chase to four communities in an effort to show that there are places to play around every corner.

The Community Chase will set up stations where teams of four to six can take part in different activities that are aimed to inspire families to get creative about how they look at fitness.

“What we are hoping to do in communities is to take a look at the spaces that are there and try to use them in different ways to give people some ideas and show them there are places to play if you just use a little imagination,” shared Kim Herperger, spokesperson for Saskatchewan in motion.

The initiative looks to break the ice in communities and open up the door for conversations as to how each town can increase safe play for kids and families.

“Outside of the Community Chase, we have a Community Action Process, which is a five-step process that we work with communities and bring them together with experts and see what the community has and what they need in terms of physical activities and get kids moving more”.

Herperger outlined many think of physical activity in the way of facilities, parks and programs, yet there are numerous possibilities within each community that allows individuals to be active. She shared a part of what Saskatchewan in motion does is helps with policies and plans to help communities be more physical active friendly including, safe bike routes or sidewalks, bike racks and benches.

Four of the main topics the initiative promotes includes:
• Sending kids out to play
• Letting them walk to school
• Inspiring kids who love to move
• Balancing screen time

The first Community Chase in the west central region will be in Biggar on July 31 with events in Rosetown, Kerrobert and Unity to follow on August 13, 14, 15 respectively. Herperger shared registration deadlines are one week before the event day and teams must include at least one child and one adult.