The Development of a Community Active Living Initiative: Saskatoon in motion - A Descriptive History

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The development of a community active living initiative: Saskatoon in motion 

This document is a reflection of the in motion stakeholders' recollections of the key events and influences that have shaped the initiative.

This document describes a partnership for community mobilization- Saskatoon in motion - around the issue of physical inactivity. It is based on key informant interviews, a review of salient documents, observations of meetings and activities, and a small survey. This research is supported by the Community Alliances for Health Research in motion funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

This document traces the roots of the active living initiative to national, provincial, and local influences, including research, policy papers and statements by governments, health promotion organizations, and health recreation specialists. The issue of physical inactivity was identified by the City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon District Health (now Saskatoon Health Region) and the College of Kinesiology (University of Saskatchewan), as well as by ParticipACTION as a common theme in their mandates. These organizations formed a partnership to address the issue locally. The partners established a vision; "Saskatoon District Health will lead the collective action of community partners in making Saskatoon and district the healthiest community in Canada through active living. This will serve as a model for provincial, national, and international initiatives." Their mission was that "All citizens of Saskatoon and district will integrate regular physical activity into the various facets of their lives". Strategic operating principles and target populations were identified. The structure of the organization established the SDH Vice President as the leader of the initiative, as well as a Coordinating Committee, Ambassadors, and Action Committees to work with specific populations.