in motion History

The in motion program was created in 1999 after an internal call to action by Saskatoon Health Region (SHR), then Saskatoon District Health, to improve the health of its population. A new Active Living strategy was created and mandated to focus on the development and implementation of a community-wide active living strategy for all age groups living within the boundaries of the organization. 

Around this same time, other Saskatoon organizations were also working to develop similar strategies in the area of physical activity, and so the Health Region invited those organizations to consult with them to create a truly community-based model that would increase levels of physical activity in Saskatoon, and focus on health promotion. These organizations included the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan, and the Community Services Department of the City of Saskatoon. ParticipACTION, the national physical activity strategy, was also consulted to provide expertise on the development of the initiative.

These organizations eventually formed a formal partnership and with Saskatoon Health Region leading the process, created an action plan which they called the in motion health promotion physical activity initiative. The aim of the action plan was to develop a model that could be shared provincially and nationally, and easily modified by other communities wishing to increase their level of physical activity and promote health to their residents.

The in motion model is based on building partnerships within communities to develop and implement physical activity health promotion programs and targets communities, and on creating community awareness of the health benefits of physical activity. Strategies are targeted to all age groups — children and youth, adults and older adult groups. Each strategy is supported by on-going research and evaluation, communication and marketing activities, healthy eating and health equity supports.

Operationally, in motion operates according to a structure that includes a Coordinating Committee that provides communication, evaluation and research, program resources/support, leadership development and financial advice/assistance to lead the program. In motion ambassadors and community organizations work with the Coordinating Committee and Action Committees, who develop physical activity and health promotion plans for specific target audiences. 

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