Inspiring and supporting all Canadians to lead an active, healthy and better life is at the heart of what ParticipACTION does. Together, ParticipACTION and Coca-Cola Canada have created the ParticipACTION Teen Challenge: a program that challenges teens ages 13-19 nationwide to get moving. With grants available from Coca-Cola Canada, community organizations across the country are able to fund physical activity programs specifically for teens who may not otherwise be able to afford to participate.
Our goal is to inspire teens to get active and to have fun in ways that mean something to them. By removing the barriers that sport participation and other programs can have, we are facilitating stronger connections to the community and fostering social interactions that help build confidence and self-esteem.
This $10 million, ten-year initiative is delivered by a network of 13 Provincial/Territorial Coordinators and more than 2,800 local community organizations. As of March 2012, over 100,000 teens in communities across Canada have been inspired to get active through this partnership. To learn how you can get involved and help make a difference click here.
To learn more about ParticipACTION http://www.participaction.com/. 
See how the ParticipACTION Teen Challenge grants are inspiring teens to get active through a wide range of activities across Canada.
http://www.participaction.com/TeenChallenge
See how the Sogo Active grants are inspiring youth to get active through a wide range of activities across Canada.
Students in the race - Montréal, Québec
Étudiants dans la course is a project that encourages youth selected from troubled neighbourhoods in Montreal to take part in a positive challenge by running for the Montreal Oasis Marathon. The idea behind the initiative is to have the youth and their mentors draw valuable lessons that will serve them throughout their lives.
Led by Dr. Julien's Foundation, Students in the race aims to promote physical activity, healthy eating and discipline, boost self-esteem and reduce risk factors associated with drugs and gang violence. Above all, to create a desire to set a goal and achieve it.
Students who successfully complete the program will receive the BLG scholarship, which supports further education or technical training.
The video made with Coca-Cola Canada, and Sogo Active Particip'ACTION introduced you to the cohorts and the preparation involved for each challenge. As a result Sogo Active has contributed a great deal towards Étudiants dans la course by providing access to the appropriate facilities and tracks.
To learn more:
Bike Jam - Aldergrove, British Columbia
ParticipACTION and Coca-Cola provided funding for a Bike Jam in Aldergrove, a small community of 18,000 residents within the Township of Langley. The program is designed to provide youth with an outlet for activity within their local community. Residents often have to drive to surrounding communities for services or events not available to them within their own backyard. This creates a barrier when it comes to youth who do not have the means to travel outside of Aldergrove and can lead to larger issues of boredom and inactivity.
Activation Station - Pincher Creek, Alberta
In Pincher Creek, Alberta, ParticipACTION and Coca-Cola provided funding for an ‘Activation Station'. Here, youth could engage in scheduled physical activities for 4 hours, twice a week. Both scheduled nights and “free” nights were held, where the youth would bring out skipping ropes, hula-hoops and other equipment to get in that extra exercise. There were 32 youth who participated twice a week, and many others who dropped in throughout the successful active program.
Kinball Challenge - Manitoba
ParticipACTION and Coca-Cola provided funding for a Kinball Challenge in Manitoba. During a physical education conference, there was a demonstration of the game of Kinball being played. The fairly new sport intrigued residents, and ended up serving as the perfect new activity for a local high school.
Flexibility Challenge - Manitoba
Within Manitoba, ParticipACTION and Coca-Cola provided funding for the Manitoba Cheerleading Federation (MCF). As a result, the MCF was able to launch a new active initiative to Manitobans. The first activity was a cheerleader-led flexibility challenge, and it proved to be a big hit across the province.
Snowshoeing - Millville, New Brunswick
ParticipACTION and Coca-Cola provided funding for the Millville Youth Recreation Centre Inc. (MYRCI) in New Brunswick. After a suggestion from a community resident for the organization to look into the purchase of snowshoes for community use, the MYRCI was aided in the purchase of 10 pairs of light-weight snowshoes for the town to stay active year-round.
Ping Pong - Belleoram, Newfoundland
In Belleoram, Newfoundland, ParticipACTION and Coca-Cola provided funding for a local youth group to have weekly Ping Pong games. Teens in Newfoundland were challenged to be more active, and this financial support has paved the way for more fun and physically active Friday nights.
F.U.E.L - Niagara Falls, Ontario
Thanks to funding from ParticipACTION and Coca-Cola, the F.U.E.L. program was created in Niagara Falls. Standing for 'Females Using Energy for Life', it was created by a group of young women at St. Michael's CHS. F.U.E.L. is aimed at encouraging female adolescents to be more physically active.
Get Fit Be Fit - Swift Current, Saskatchewan
In Swift Current, Saskatchewan, ParticipACTION and Coca-Cola provided funding for a Youth Wellness Day called Get Fit Be Fit. Developed by the Cypress Health Region and the City of Swift Current, Get Fit Be Fit effectively engages youth and promotes the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle.
Community Ski Challenge - Yukon
ParticipACTION and Coca-Cola provided funding for a community ski challenge in the Yukon Territory. Youth from four relatively isolated Yukon communities were brought together including Carcross, Teslin, Tagish and Kwanlin for a morning of skiing activities. Youth interacted with each other and got active outdoors while participating in the challenge. Throughout the morning, the older youth helped teach the younger youth different games and skills. The event successfully connected these communities together, with over 80 youth having a great time learning new skills and getting involved.
Youth Winter Camping – Teslin, Yukon
In Teslin, Yukon, ParticipACTION and Coca-Cola provided funding for a winter camping excursion. Over 4 days, youth spent time ice fishing, orienteering, learning survival skills and enjoying the bright winter sun. The event created the opportunity to share stories, have fun and to get fit. Next year these youth will be able to pass the learning on to new attendees.
