November 22, 2005 Source: University of Saskatchewan:
http://www.usask.ca/events/news/articles/20051122-1.html Manulife Financial works with University of Saskatchewan to get Canadians Moving Organization: University of Saskatchewan Communications
Email: communications@usask.ca
Released: Nov. 22, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 22, 2005
2005-11-20-OTHER Manulife Financial works with University of Saskatchewan to get Canadians
Moving Saskatoon, SK - Saskatoon's in motion initiative is spreading across Canada
thanks to a generous donation from Manulife Financial to the University of
Saskatchewan. Manulife's $400,000 gift will be used to promote the in
motion initiative, provide national training opportunities and further
research about physical activity based community initiatives. The in motion program is a partnership between the University of
Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Health Region, the City of Saskatoon and
ParticipACTION. It provides a physical activity health promotion model that
incorporates public awareness in combination with target population
strategies all supported by research. The initiative has been adopted by
various communities throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba as well as Abbotsford
BC. In addition, the in motion "team" has provided consultative services to
many other communities across Canada. Bruce Gordon, Senior Executive Vice President and General Manager, Canada
for Manulife Financial says "Manulife Financial is committed to helping
Canadians live longer and healthier lives so we're very pleased to support
this collaborative partnership. Our donation to the University of
Saskatchewan will help them share this successful active living strategy
with other communities across Canada." The gift will be used to develop and maintain a new Canada in motion website
which will include a new health self-assessment tool. It will support the
2006 in motion National Training School which will bring together local,
national and international experts to share strategies and research
regarding physical activity and health promotion. The gift will also be used
to support a post-doctoral position at the University of Saskatchewan. This
person will translate research results into new materials for health
professionals and community groups. In recognition for Manulife's support,
the three year post-doctoral position will be called the Manulife Financial
Scholar in Physical Activity and Health Promotion. "We've seen the impact community-wide 'active-living' can have on community
development and empowerment in areas such as health-care delivery, program
sustainability and the problem-solving capabilities of a community," says
Karen Chad, U of S Associate Vice President - Research, and lead researcher
for the in motion project. "By supporting our efforts to take this model to
all Canadians, Manulife is playing a role in improving the physical, mental
and economic well-being of the nation." The donation was made through the University's Thinking the World of our
Future fundraising campaign. Campaign priorities include enhancing the
student experience, increasing financial support for students and improving
facilities to provide better opportunities for learning and research. -30 - For more information, please contact: Tom Nunn
Assistant Vice President, Media Relations
Manulife Financial
(519) 594-8578 Susan Burton
Campaign Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-1851
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