News Release
June 24, 2010
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International Falls designated a Governor's Fit City

International Falls earns recognition for promoting physical activity


Governor Tim Pawlenty and the Governor's Health Cabinet announced today that International Falls has been designated a Governor's Fit City. The city earned the recognition by making a commitment to support and encourage its residents to be more physically active and to improve the overall health of the community.

"The leaders of International Falls have made a strong commitment to provide physical activity opportunities for people in their city," Governor Pawlenty said. "This commitment will help keep International Falls citizens healthy for years to come."

International Falls achieved its designation by completing an application with the Minnesota Department of Health. The application asks cities to indicate their commitment to promoting physical activity, according to several criteria. Those criteria include whether a city has created inviting places to walk; whether a city has adopted a value statement affirming the importance of fitness; whether a city has sponsored at least one fitness activity; and whether a city has developed recreation areas that encourage fitness.

The Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) and its Active Living Coalition, along with the City of International Falls are committed to implementing a number of strategies for promoting physical activity, including:

  • Purchasing, installing and promoting custom bike racks and using them to leverage other action plan items for implementation during 2010 – 2011 and into the future (e.g.; bike safety rodeo, bike to work week, Rent-a-Bike Program, Safe Routes to School plan).
  • Developing and distributing maps of local walking/biking trails.
  • Hosting the International Tug-of-War between the United States and Canada on July 2. This annual event pits Americans against Canadians to see which side can pull the other into Rainy River. Not only do residents of International Falls remain fit to compete in this contest, other Americans are inspired to become fit so that they can come to International Falls to compete in this unique sporting event.

"Physical activity improves nearly every aspect of a person's health and contributes to better health overall for communities," Commissioner of Health Dr. Sanne Magnan said. "We encourage all cities to become Governor's Fit Cities."

International Falls will receive a plaque from Governor Pawlenty and will also place Governor's Fit City signs roadways entering the city.

The Governor's Fit City initiative is part of an overall push by Governor Pawlenty to encourage fitness. The governor declared 2005 The Year of Fitness in Minnesota and created the Governor's Fitness Challenge. More information about the Governor's Fit City program can be found at www.health.state.mn.us/fitcity.

-MDH-

For more information, contact:

John Stieger
MDH Communications
651-201-4998