It's official — Richmond has regained its title as B.C.'s most active community.
The 2024 ParticipACTION Community Challenge, organized by Novo Nordisk to get community members moving, saw Richmondites participate in 542 activities throughout the month of June.
Almost 630 individuals pledged to get active and approximately 258,000 participants took part in events and activities throughout the month, according to the City of Richmond's media release.
The city will receive $15,000 in addition to the title to fund local community initiatives for physical activities.
The annual challenge is a national initiative to encourage Canadians to participate in physical and sports activities, awarding the winning community funds to support local physical and sport initiatives. The challenge is funded by the federal government, Novo Nordisk and supporting partner Saputo.
More than 1,250 Canadian communities participated in this year's challenge with Hay River, N.W.T. taking the crown as Canada's most active community and winning $100,000.
The City of Richmond previously held the title of B.C.'s most active community in 2022.
Richmond stood out among B.C. communities for several reasons, according to Novo Nordisk's media release issued July 23.
The city had partnered with the Richmond Chamber of Commerce to mobilize the business community during Seniors Week, GoByBike Week and Recreation and Parks Month, explained Novo Nordisk. It also highlighted the warm-up walk and dance party led by Mayor Malcolm Brodie and the free and low-cost programs offered in June.
"The community reduced barriers to participation by offering free ‘try-it’ sessions open to all, fitness classes for individuals with developmental disabilities, weekly dance and martial arts in Cantonese and Mandarin, catering to newcomers and Richmond’s immigrant population, amongst others," reads the media release.
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