Media Advisory - AFN launching Fitness Challenge for students, on October
15th 2009. Sign up for a chance to win prizes.

OTTAWA , Sept. 28 /CNW Telbec/ - The Assembly of First Nations is calling on teachers for help in organizing this year's AFN Fitness Challenge which is aimed at students. The goal of the fitness challenge is to raise awareness about the positive relationship between diabetes and healthy living. Information for teachers about the challenge is available online at http://fnpublichealth.ca/afn-challenge/. Teachers can also register teams on-line at this site or by calling 1-866-869-6789 ext 377. There are two weeks left to register.

The challenge will start on October 15, 2009 and run for one month, wrapping up on November 14th , World Diabetes Day. Students are encouraged to participate in teams and to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity each day, in ten minute intervals. This can include sports, or activities as simple as walking or dancing. Top performers and top teams will have their names entered into a draw for prizes, and winners will be announced in December at a Special Chief's Assembly.

The AFN is recommending that participants consult a physician before starting a new fitness program. Participants do not have to be diabetic to take part. The Fitness Challenge is open to all.

AFN Women Council Chair Kathleen McHugh will be available to take questions from media about the challenge via conference call on October 1, 2009 at 2:00-2:30 pm EST.

    
    Reporters can call in at:

    Event:    AFN Women Council Chair Kathleen McHugh to speak to reporters
              about AFN Fitness Challenge

    Date:     October 1, 2009

    Time:     2:00-2:30 PM EST

    Toll-free Call-in Number for reporters: 1-866-797-9098
                             Conference ID: 4138677
    

The AFN Women's Council works to ensure that the concerns and perspectives of First Nations women inform the work of the AFN. The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations in Canada .

For further information: Karyn Pugliese, Health Communications at [phone] or [email protected]