Magrath seniors go above and beyond in walking challenge

Westwind Weekly News Photo Submitted. SENIORS WALKING CHALLENGE: All 33 participants in the senior’s walking challenge in Magrath this summer pose with their medals following a presentation ceremony with Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner MP Glen Motz (far right).

By Kristine Jean
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Seniors in Magrath laced up their shoes and put a full-hearted effort into a walking challenge this summer, with many of them going above and beyond the required miles. 

Participants were recognized in a special ceremony on Sept. 3, at the Magrath Seniors Centre, where Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner MP, Glen Motz, presented medals to more than 30 seniors from the Magrath Seniors Centre, Diamond Willow Lodge and the community.  

Seniors who participated in the walking challenge were recognized for their hard work in completing it, but also for their dedication, efforts and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. 

“We had 33 people sign up and complete the challenge – four of which were in their 90’s,” said Blake Eves, a director will the Magrath Seniors Centre.

Participants were asked to walk or do the equivalent of walking, between July 1 and August 31 and the total number of miles in the challenge was the equivalent of a marathon – 26.2 miles or 42 kilometres. 

Eves noted a high percentage of the centre’s regular, active members took part in the challenge and all participants were aged 65 and older, although the Magrath Seniors Centre is open to anyone 55 years and older. 

DeAnna Noftle, activities coordinator with the Magrath Seniors Centre spoke about the reasons behind the walking challenge this summer.  

“I think we’re just trying to encourage our seniors within our membership here and the community as a whole, just to get more active. Some are starting to become active specifically because of this (challenge),” said Noftle, noting some positive feedback they heard from participants. “With becoming more physically active, they are socializing more too because often, they are not doing this (challenge) on their own.

“It’s really just building the community – helping them be healthier physically, mentally and socially,” she added. 

In addition to Motz, representatives from Healthy Aging CORE Alberta, were also in attendance as the medal presentation on Sept. 3.

The federal government’s New Horizons program also provided funding for this challenge, including covering the costs of the medals, and is helping fund other activities and events in Magrath.

“We are trying to incorporate more activities that will help encourage physical activity and help support socialization,” said Noftle, noting the medal presentation was an exciting evening and there are hopes the walking challenge will become and annual event.

Eves also said with the outstanding success of the inaugural walking challenge, they are looking forward to next summer’s event. 

“I’m sure there’ll be more participants next year,” said Eves, noting the enthusiasm from all participants and for some, the thrill of receiving their very first hard-earned medal. “The excitement that it generated…that was pretty remarkable.”