Water Does Wonders! Greater Sudbury is Challenging Kids to Drink More Water

The Healthy Kids Community Challenge and the City of Greater Sudbury want kids to reach for water when thirsty. Representatives from the City of Greater Sudbury and the Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre were at Carmichael Skate Park this morning to announce the second theme of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, “Water Does Wonders.”    

“I am excited to move forward with the second theme of Ontario’s Healthy Kids Community Challenge, encouraging kids and their families to drink water instead of sugary drinks,” said Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “Helping kids and their families to make healthy choices in their everyday lives is an important part of our plan to help Ontarians lead happier, healthier lives.”  

Every nine months, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) will launch a new theme related to physical activity or healthy eating, two protective factors associated with healthy weights in children. The second theme in the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, “Water Does Wonders,” encourages kids and their families to choose water when thirsty.

“The Healthy Kids Community Challenge has already introduced a number of great initiatives to Greater Sudbury,” said Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this new theme will have on the health and well being of our children.”

Over the next nine months, programs and activities will be introduced throughout Greater Sudbury to encourage kids and their families to choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. Some of these programs include a water challenge for youth sports teams and special Healthy Kids Challenge Days at The Market this summer. A new water bottle filling station has been unveiled at the Carmichael Skate Park. Many local health, education, recreation and business organizations have been partnering in the challenge to help promote a healthy lifestyle for all children. 

“I am thrilled to see the number of organizations in the community that have contributed to the success of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge,” said Deputy Mayor Joscelyne Landry-Altmann. “With this new theme, we have another opportunity to further establish Greater Sudbury as a community that supports the healthy development of our children.”    

Greater Sudbury is one of 45 communities across Ontario taking part in Ontario’s Healthy Kids Community Challenge. The Healthy Kids Community Challenge unites communities with a common goal of promoting children’s health through physical activity and wise food choices. The City of Greater Sudbury is receiving up to $1,125,000 over three years from the Ontario government to fund the Healthy Kids Community Challenge.  

For more information about Healthy Kids Community Challenge activities visit www.sudburyfamilies.ca/healthykids, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/healthykidssudbury/ or follow us on Twitter at @healthykidssud.

Quick Facts
- The Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre is receiving up to $525,000 over three years from the Ontario government to fund local Healthy Kids Community Challenge projects. 
- The Healthy Kids Community Challenge builds on steps the Province of Ontario has already taken to implement recommendations from the Healthy Kids Panel, including a 24-hour support line for breastfeeding moms and expanding Ontario’s Student Nutrition Program.
- In 2009, the economic cost associated with physical inactivity and unhealthy weight in Ontario was $4.5 billion.
- Supporting community-based activities to promote healthier living is a key recommendation of the Healthy Kids Panel report.