Five groups in Abbotsford accumulated more than 800 hours of exercise as part of the Move for Health Challenge that ran from April 26 to May 3.
Fraser Health, the Abbotsford school district, the City of Abbotsford, University of the Fraser Valley, and the Abbotsford News asked employees to sign a pledge to complete two and a half hours of activity during that period.
In total, 331 pledges were signed, resulting in 827.5 hours of activity.
The challenge was a precursor to Move for Health Day, taking place on May 10 as designated by the World Health Organization.
Laura Loudon, community coordinator for Healthy Abbotsford, said the City of Abbotsford took on the challenge to “support and encourage physical activity” among its employees and in the community as a whole.
“Regular physical activity has tremendous benefits for everyone, including increased fitness and improved self-esteem, as well as a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers,” Loudon said.
Move for Health Day is an international event which encourages people to organize events or participate individually in physical activity.
For information about getting active, visit healthyabbotsford.ca.