The 2008 Medibank Private Active Tasmania Awards feature a noteworthy approach to developing grassroots sport undertaken by the The Advocate newspaper. In an effort to get its community more active, the paper established a fitness club encouraging people to get involved in physical activity.
Michelle O'Byrne, MP
Minister for Sport and Recreation
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
Medibank Private Active Tasmania Winners Named
The Minister for Sport and Recreation Michelle O’Byrne, today announced that a fitness club established by The Advocate newspaper in an effort to get its community more active was the major winner of the 2008 Medibank Private Active Tasmania Awards.
Ms O’Byrne said The Advocate’s Fit Club, which receives $11,000 as major winner, was a shining example of a community physical activity project.
“The Fit Club was triggered by the Heart Foundation’s statistics showing the Cradle Coast region as having particular health issues,” Ms O’Byrne
“Participants of the Fit Club improve their health and fitness levels by committing to moving at least 10,000 steps each day.”
“The Advocate newspaper runs weekly columns setting out diet and fitness advice as well as inspirational stories on Fit Club members to encourage others to join up.”
“The Advocate is to be commended for showing such community leadership, and providing a regular reminder and incentive for people to get involved in physical activity.”
“The project has greatly increased the levels of physical activity for those living in the Cradle Coast region.”
“I congratulate everyone involved in The Advocate’s Fit Club and all who participated in the awards this year.”
Ms O’Byrne said the Medibank Private Active Tasmania Awards recognise schools and organizations that play a valuable role in developing and maintaining healthy communities.”
“This year $30,000 worth of prizes was awarded to schools and communities, thanks to the Premier’s Physical Activity Council and the continued support of the awards’ major sponsor Medibank Private, Australia’s largest private health insurer.”
“The Medibank Private Active Tasmania Awards promote health and fitness and, as such, play an integral role in creating a fitter, healthier, more vibrant community.”
“A fitter, healthier Tasmania provides all sorts of community benefits, including reducing the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Being fit also reduces stress, depression and anxiety.”
“Through the awards, we can all share our good ideas and in the process encourage other people to think about what they can do to make our communities more active,” Ms O’Byrne said.
Also announced at the ceremony were the winners of the other categories in the 2009 Medibank Private Active Tasmania Awards:
Further information: Tasmanian Government Communications Unit Phone: (03) 6233 6573
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