Kamloops Shines as a Top 40 Finalist in the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge

purple exercise equipment on cream background

This June, our city came alive with movement, connection, and community spirit as thousands of residents joined forces for the ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge. This national initiative encourages Canadians to get active to help their city win the $100,000 grand prize to fund and support local physical activity and sports initiatives. 

Although Kamloops was not the grand prize winner, we embraced the challenge with open arms and active feet, and Kamloops was announced as a Top 40 finalist in Canada.

Through a wide range of low-barrier, inclusive, and fun physical activity opportunities, over 31,000 residents were engaged. The Tournament Capital Centre welcomed more than 21,500 visitors, while the Westsyde Pool and Fitness Centre saw over 3,200 visitors, many of whom registered for the challenge and entered weekly prize draws.

By registering, hosting, tracking, and/or promoting their own ParticipACTION initiatives, 43 organizations and community partners amplified the impact of this initiative. These efforts were rooted in shared values of:

  • building and fostering relationships
  • prioritizing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility
  • creating opportunities for lifelong physical activity

Over 1,000 residents explored new passions through free, inclusive Try It! events, including Park Play Days, the Teddy Bear Mother Goose Picnic, lyra (aerial) dance, rowing, paddling, skating, tumbling, laser biathlon, pole sport, canoeing, and line dancing.

An intentional effort was made to reduce barriers and reach equity-denied groups by creating welcoming, culturally safe spaces where everyone could move and connect:

  • Kamloops Immigrant Services - yoga in the park for newcomers
  • Canucks Autism Network and PacificSport Interior BC - Canucks Autism Network programming for neurodivergent families
  • People in Motion - adaptive bikes for individuals with diversabilities
  • Kamloops Pride - Try It! booth for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
  • Kamloops Adapted Sports Association and YMCA BC Kamloops - wheelchair basketball for all abilities

Kamloops, you moved with purpose, passion, and pride. Thank you for making June a month to remember.

Congratulations to the City of Richmond for being named the winner of Canada’s most active community in 2025.