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Get your sneakers ready for town's step challenge

With outdoor exercise on the list of things we can do during a pandemic, the town is planning a revival of its popular step challenge. Set to launch on June 1, it will be open to anyone who lives or works in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Local Staff

With outdoor exercise on the list of things we can do during a pandemic, the town is planning a revival of its popular step challenge.

Set to launch on June 1, it will be open to anyone who lives or works in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Registration will open for individual competitors as well as teams of four on Tuesday, May 18. “What better way to promote positive physical and mental health than to get outside and walk our community’s picturesque neighbourhoods, parks and trails,” says Lord Mayor Betty Disero. “You can be sure to see me out walking and participating in this challenge, and I invite you to do the same. Let’s get stepping, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and be sure to wave hello to steppers from a safe distance. Stay healthy, stay safe.”

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Step Challenge took a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic. Although COVID-19 remains an ongoing concern, a town news release says staff are confident this year’s competition can proceed safely, with individuals and teams collecting steps on their own while maintaining a safe physical distance from people outside of their household.

This year, the town is looking to surpass the 2019 achievement of together amassing more than 14.5 million steps, by setting the collective goal of 20 million steps, figuratively walking the 7,428 kilometres across Canada.

“This will be my first Niagara-on-the-Lake Step Challenge experience, and being a relatively competitive person myself, I can’t wait to hit the trails,” says CAO Marnie Cluckie. “I would like to thank staff for working hard to set up this year’s challenge. After an incredibly challenging year, it will do us all some good to get outside, exercise, and work as part of a team. Good luck to all participants.”

The town is seeking partnerships with local businesses and organizations to promote and sponsor this well-loved challenge. Those wishing to donate prizes such as gift cards, goodies or swag can email lauren.
[email protected].

Prizes will be awarded every week, and upon completion of the challenge. Details of prize categories will be forthcoming. Visit notl.com/stepchallenge for more details and stay tuned on the Town’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms for more information.