By FitBizWeekly Staff
Richmond, B.C. has been awarded the title of Canada’s Most Active Community, earning the $100,000 grand prize in this year’s ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk. The national initiative, now in its sixth year, mobilizes individuals, organizations, and municipalities to promote physical activity throughout the month of June.
“Congratulations to Richmond and all of the provincial and territorial winners,” said Elio Antunes, President and CEO of ParticipACTION. “Engaging community members in physical activity and sport is an important strategy for building healthier and more connected communities. It was so inspiring to see over 1,500 organizations host more than 10,000 low-barrier, inclusive physical activity and sport activities throughout June. We hope communities keep the momentum going and continue to make room to move year-round!”
Richmond, which had previously claimed the title of B.C.’s Most Active Community in both 2022 and 2024, secured this year’s national top spot by engaging residents in over 1,000 inclusive, free or low-cost programs and activities throughout the month.
“The City of Richmond is proud of our commitment to support physical activity and well-being,” said Malcolm Brodie, Mayor of Richmond, B.C. “As a vibrant and active community, we provide safe, fun and inclusive opportunities for all ages to keep our people connected and promote healthy lifestyles. On behalf of the many organizations and individuals that support physical activity and well-being in Richmond, we are honoured to be named Canada’s Most Active Community.”
Since its inception in 2019, the ParticipACTION Community Challenge has awarded $1.5 million to communities across Canada, alongside over $7 million in grants to support equity-denied groups through accessible sport and activity programming.
This year’s provincial and territorial winners, each receiving awards between $7,500 and $15,000, include:
- Red Deer, AB
- Pinawa, MB
- Grand-Bouctouche, NB
- Clarenville, NL
- Truro & Cape Breton, NS
- Hay River, NT
- Iqaluit, NU
- Cochrane, ON
- Miltonvale Park, PE
- Québec City, QC
- Ituna, SK
- Faro, YT
“Congratulations to all of the communities that took part in the ParticipACTION Community Challenge, and to this year’s Most Active Community. It is inspiring to see Canadians come together to create stronger, healthier, and more active communities across the country – creating momentum for active lifestyles in Canada.” — The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health.
“By making sport more inclusive and accessible for everyone, our government is building stronger, healthier communities,” said the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport). “The ParticipACTION Community Challenge is a fantastic program that we are proud to support. Way to go, Richmond, B.C.! Congratulations and thank you for inspiring your neighbours and all Canadians to keep moving!”
The 2025 challenge drew participation from 846,000 individuals across 672 communities.
“On behalf of Novo Nordisk Canada, congratulations to Richmond and to all the provincial and territorial winners, along with every individual who took part in this year’s ParticipACTION Community Challenge. Novo Nordisk is proud to be the presenting partner of this important initiative, which plays a vital role in supporting a healthier Canada through the promotion of physical activity and prevention of chronic diseases.” — Vince Lamanna, President of Novo Nordisk Canada
ParticipACTION’s Community Challenge is supported by the Government of Canada and Novo Nordisk.
Learn more at ParticipACTION.com
