News

June 5, 2009

Winnipeg in motion Concept Activates National Program

Red River College students animate made-in-Winnipeg character "Moti" to become National in motion icon

Developed in Winnipeg, a new physical activity icon is receiving national recognition. Moti (short for motion) is an icon based on the original in motion logo, but enhanced with active living elements such as cycling, walking a dog, skate boarding, jogging, gardening and more. National in motion, an organization committed to helping communities across Canada promote physical activity recognized Moti as an element that would promote physical activity to a younger demographic.

"National in motion works with Canadian communities to implement the in motion model which promotes physical activity and aims to encourage healthy attitudes and behaviours that will improve health in our communities. We are pleased to partner with Winnipeg in motion and Red River College toward using the Moti icon to further excite Canadian youth about getting in motion," Linda Martin, Director of National in motion said.

In addition to the national attention, the 19 Moti icons have had help getting "in motion" thanks to a partnership with Red River College students. Students in the Information Systems Technology - Web Development program have taken Moti from a static icon to several fun animations. The animations will be shared nationally with the three in motion provinces and eight regions to promote healthy living.

"Youth in our community are facing many potential health risks by being inactive. Currently 70 per cent are not meeting Canada's physical activity guidelines. We have a special opportunity to work with our youth to establish healthy habits that they can then carry with them throughout their lives. So we are thrilled to have the youth of Red River College working on a project that will reach out and speak to their peers!" Dr. Sande Harlos, Medical Officer of Health of Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said.

Students in future years of the Red River College program will continue with new animations as part of their curriculum.

"Giving students the opportunity to work on real-world projects like this is an essential part of our approach to education," Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President of Red River College, said. "It's a thrill for both Red River College and our Web Development students to see their creative efforts showcased on a national stage."

For more information on Winnipeg in motion, please visit winnipeginmotion.ca. For information on other in motion communities across Canada, visit canadainmotion.ca.