Are any organizations in your community redefining what it means to be active and inclusive? We recently chatted with representatives of two community organizations that are helping decrease obstacles to physical activity and sport and taking part in the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk this June – Regina Marathon Canoe Club (RMCC) and Legacy Baton Academy. Read on to learn about the unique programs they’re running during the Community Challenge.
RMCC is a local, not-for-profit community group that promotes fitness and personal excellence in long-distance marathon canoeing in Regina, Saskatchewan, and the surrounding area.
Legacy Baton Academy (LBA) offers baton twirling (a sport that combines dance, gymnastics and manipulating a metal rod) classes to recreational, competitive and elite athletes in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Tell us about the program that your organization is running during the Community Challenge.
RMCC:
“Going into its sixth year, our New Canadians Canoe Program teaches water safety and navigation techniques, fundamental canoeing terminology and skills, and the historical and cultural significance of this iconic Canadian sport to individuals who have been living in Canada for less than five years,” Scott Brunskill, a coach and coordinator at RMCC, told us. “Through this program, we hope to increase the diversity of RMCC’s membership and encourage newcomers to Canada to continue canoeing after completing the program.”
LBA:
“Twirling to End Isolation is an interactive exercise program that teaches basic baton twirling skills at community centres, schools and long-term care residences in Winnipeg,” Kristin Macaraeg, the director and head coach of Legacy Baton Academy, told us. “It’s focused on improving participants’ flexibility and mobility and promoting lifelong physical activity, all while bringing people together to reduce social isolation.”
What was the inspiration behind your organization’s program?
RMCC:
“All our instructors, coaches, volunteers and board members believe in making our programs inclusive and welcoming and in developing canoeing skills in as many community members as possible,” said Scott. “We launched our New Canadians Canoe Program in response to interest from the Open Door Society and new Canadians living in Regina who had never been in a canoe or even on water before.”
LBA:
“We started our Twirling to End Isolation program to address the issue of social isolation and loneliness among Winnipeg’s older adult population,” said Kristin. “Not only is baton twirling a form of ‘exercise in disguise’, but it also brings people together to move and groove, so we thought it would be a wonderful way for older adults to stay active while connecting with each other.”
How will your organization’s program benefit equity-denied groups?
RMCC:
“Our New Canadians Canoe Program gives newcomers to Canada an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and explore Saskatchewan’s parks and bodies of water through a low-impact activity at low or no cost,” said Scott. “On top of canoeing skills, they learn about general water safety, like properly putting on personal flotation devices (PFDs), the differences between PFDs and life jackets, safely lifting and carrying watercraft, and observing wind and weather patterns to determine when it’s safe to canoe.”
LBA:
“Our Twirling to End Isolation program will provide a fun and engaging way for older adults to stay active, socialize, form new friendships and feel a sense of community,” said Kristin. “All of this can help combat Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”
Equity in sport and physical activity is about more than making them accessible – it’s about creating a sense of belonging for everyone. When it comes to getting active during the Community Challenge, the possibilities are endless. Whether it’s geocaching, participating in a drag queen-led fitness event or going on a walk or wheel around the block – everything counts! The main objective is to get moving with your community. Is your organization ready to make room to move in June?
Help your community win up to $100,000
Get active this June during the ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk to help your community compete for the title of Canada’s Most Active Community and win $100,000 to support local sport and physical activity initiatives! Plus, the most active community in each remaining province and territory will be awarded $7,500 to $15,000, and 15 organizations will receive $500 each. Join today!
