This September, the Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia (CPABC) will be joining cerebral palsy associations around the world in the 2014 Steptember Challenge to raise $30,000 to help improve the lives of individuals living with cerebral palsy (CP) in B.C.
Participants will climb virtual mountains to promote healthy lifestyles and to support children and adults living with cerebral palsy.
More than 10,000 people across B.C. are living with cerebral palsy – neurological condition caused by damage to the developing brain.
Co-workers, school classes, families, and friends are encouraged to form teams of four and sign up for the challenge at www.steptember.ca.
Participants will receive a pedometer to track their daily steps, which they record on the interactive website.
Participants can also carry out over 40 other physical activities which can be converted to steps on the website including running, cycling and using a wheelchair among others.
Benefits of joining Steptember include improving team-building skills, being healthy and active, increasing community engagement and participating for a great cause.
As a special incentive for those supporting the CPABC, participants have the chance to win some fantastic prizes, including sports merchandise, yoga passes, and other valuable prizes.
The challenge runs for four weeks from Sept. 3 to 30. Registration is already open and it costs $25 for adults and $10 for children.
Individuals can visit www.steptember.ca to register today.
CPABC information
The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC was started in 1954 by a group of parents who wanted to assist their children living with CP to reach their maximum potential within society.
Today, it is an independent charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. CPABC provides support, education, and information throughout B.C.
Its mission is:
• To raise awareness of CP in the community;
• To assist those living with CP to reach their maximum potential; and
• To work to see those living with CP recognize their place as equals in a diverse society.
Steptember impact
• Steptember is a chance for organizations to make a difference in the lives of those living with cerebral palsy.
Steptember 2013 statistics
• In B.C., more than $23,000 was raised.
• In B.C., there were 178 participants and 56 teams.
• Some 91 per cent of participants said they would participate in Steptember in 2014.