What is GO2?

Jan 26, 2011 by Debbie-Layne

GO2 is a unique, community-wide physical activity initiative designed specifically for the citizens of Okotoks. It is a cooperative and collaborative effort between multiple organizations that have an interest in encouraging healthy, vibrant, and physically active residents of Okotoks and area. Community agencies, individuals, organizations and businesses work together to help build community and organizational capacity and facilitate the delivery of physical activity opportunities and information.

GO2 was developed to address the current physical inactivity levels. According to the Alberta Survey on Physical Activity (2005) just over 40% of Albertans are not physically active enough to receive health benefits. Research shows that physical inactivity is related to important chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, certain types of cancers, and so on. We are hoping to address this in our community by increasing our physical activity.

In April of 2006, Healthy Okotoks Coalition made a commitment to raise the awareness of the importance of daily physical activity in Okotoks and area. Okotoks is a commuter community and we know that for each extra daily hour spent driving a car, the likelihood of being obese increases by 6% (Frank, Adresen & Schmid, 2004). We also believe that physical activity is one of the most effective ways of reducing health care costs while increasing community spirit and well being. Each 1% increase in the number of individuals who are physically active reduces treatment costs for heart disease by over $10 million annually (Conference Board of Canada, 1996). Physical activity is today’s “best buy” and we, as a Healthy Community Coalition, know with our caring community, our engaged memberships and with our community leaders on board, we can help raise awareness as to the importance of physical activity.

GO2 VISION, MISSION, KEY MESSAGE

Vision and mission statements have been developed. The GO2 Vision is that:

All Okotoks and area residents incorporate regular physical activity into their daily lives in a healthy, vibrant community that supports active living at work, school, and play. To accomplish this vision, GO2 will act in accordance with our Mission statement: Through the collective action of partnerships, GO2 will work to enhance opportunities and inspire all Okotoks and area residents to embrace and incorporate daily physical activity into their lives.

A key message has been developed to encourage people of all ages and all abilities to be as active as they possibly can. The key message is:

At least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.

Activities since 2006

In May of 2006 the GO2 Action Committee began planning our public awareness campaign. Since then we have been involved in many activities and events in the community. The following is a list of activities that the GO2 committee has initiated and been involved in since May of 2006:

• Okotoks Parade Day – June, 2006, 2007, 2008
• Activity Questions in the Town Survey – to gain baseline – 2006, 2009
• Sheep River Road Race – Information Booth – September, 2006 & 2007
• Parade of Programs – Information Booth – September, 2006, September, 2009
• Terry Fox Walk for Schools – September 6, 2006
• Information ads in Western Wheel – once a month x 3 months in 2007
• Information page in Community Guide – Fall 2006 and Spring 2007, Spring and Fall 2009
• Official GO2 Launch – February 19, 2007 in conjunction with the grand reopening of the Recreation Complex
• School Newsletters – September, 2009
• GO2 Schools Initiative – October, 2007, September, 2009
• GO2 Active Living Schools Initiative – Banner and prizes
• GO2 Active Living Messages for School Newsletters in all the schools in Okotoks
• Web site – www.go2communities.com – February, 2007
• Presentation to Town Council – March 26, 2007, February 9, 2009
• Walking Track Signs – designed and unveiled at the new Centennial arena – June 4, 2007
• Seniors Tea – demonstration of exercises – 2007, 2008
• Initiated annual “GO2 Walk with the Mayor” – July 1, 2007, July 1, 2008, July 1, 2009, July 1, 2010
• Partnered with Primary Care Network (family docs) to sponsor free swimming and free skating – November,2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
• Initiated Senior’s Walking Group “GO2 Walkers”– Centennial Arena – Tuesdays @ 10:30 am- coffee and socializing following – January, 2008
• Presentations to community groups & organizations 2006 and ongoing
• Family Day Activities – Shane Homes Gym – February 18, 2008, 2009,
• GO2 Nordic Walk – April 5, 2008
• Canada Gets Active – Grade 5 initiative – Supported Town-January, 2010
• GO2 Step Into Action for Health – Monthly articles in the Western Wheel – 2010
• Walking Buddy System – October, 2010
• Tricommunity Coalition Workshop – October 2, 2010