Federal Sport Minister backs Active Nation Day events

Fitness Australia's partnership with activewear brand Lorna Jane to encourage Australians to participate in hundreds of free events to celebrate Active Nation Day on Sunday 29th September has received the backing of Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck.

With Australians becoming increasingly sedentary over the past five years and more than half the nation’s adults currently not very active, the eighth annual Active Nation Day event, that has evolved into an international movement taking place across 17 countries, is an opportunity for Australians to take a moment to prioritise their health.

Fitness Australia Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish and Lorna Jane founder, Lorna Jane Clarkson met briefly with Senator Colbeck last week to discuss Active Nation Day and the importance of having a national day which recognises the importance of fitness and physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The Day will see Fitness Australia registered trainers, instructors and fitness centres hosting hundreds of free events across the country including gym open days, boot camps, fitness classes and more. There will also be a range of additional activities on offer including yoga in the park, fun runs, family hikes, and meditation.

Stating that the peak body was excited to partner with Lorna Jane to help Australia become a more physically active nation, Elvish advised “Lorna Jane has been inspiring millions of people to live healthier, more active lives for decades, and Action Nation Day is the perfect chance for Aussies to take a moment to commit to themselves and their health.

“We encourage the entire industry to get involved with free open days, classes, training sessions or consultations for the public.”

Clarkson added “it’s so important for the whole health and wellness industry to come together and play our parts in improving the health and wellbeing of our nation.

"We started Active Nation Day because we knew we needed to take action to start turning the alarming health statistics around in a simple, accessible and fun way - by coming together as a community to move on Active Nation Day."

Click here to host or find an Active Nation Day event.

Images: Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck with Lorna Jane founder, Lorna Jane Clarkson and Fitness Australia Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish at their meeting last Monday.