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MP John Weston launched National Health and Fitness Day in Whistler on Saturday, June 2, following his running of the North Face Half Marathon, and held aloft a torch which is emblematic of the day's legacy.

June 12, 2012

On Saturday June 2, local MP John Weston inaugurated National Health and Fitness Day with events in Whistler, Squamish, Lions Bay and West Vancouver.

Weston, MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, took the opportunity to announce that he will bring a private members' bill in the fall to legislate the establishment of this national day.

The bill has already received broad support from both sides of the House.

Weston intends for the day to celebrate the many indoor and outdoor opportunities available for Canadians to maintain good health, to encourage all those who make health and well-being a part of their lives, and to motivate all Canadians to take steps to improve their general level of fitness.

What a thrill it was to stand in Olympic Plaza in Whistler and announce the first official observance of National Health and Fitness Day, said Weston in a news release. We live in the riding that I refer to as the most beautiful place on earth, in the best nation on earth, with countless options for physical activity and enjoyment. With the private member's bill this fall, I hope this day becomes a healthy habit as Canada becomes the fittest nation on earth.

Weston began the day by running the North Face Half Marathon in Whistler before travelling to the Farmers' Market in Squamish to sample some healthy, organic fare. He then played doubles with the Tennis Group in Lions Bay before hiking the new Centennial Trail. The day concluded in West Vancouver, where Weston held high a torch and spoke of the legacy of this day.

The health day has developed from the MP's Parliamentary Fitness Initiative for parliamentarians and senators on the Hill, which offers professional instruction each week for running and swimming. From there, the initiative grew to include every one of the 12 local governments in the riding.

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Fitness day launched by Weston