Local businesses use internet challenge to promote outdoor connection

By JALYCE THOMPSON Special to the News on May 1, 2021.

Medicine Hat businesses and organizations use online challenges during the COVID regulations to bring forth a community connection.

Crew Training and Kollektiv Cycle started a 21-day online challenge at the beginning of the month, where more than 300 participants have signed up and are eligible for prizes.

Owner of Crew Training Chelsea Purves says 20-plus businesses have donated to the challenge to support the range of folks focusing on their wellness.

“Now more than ever people want to connect and they need a way to do that with like-minded people,” says Purves.

“Social media has been such a game changer because it’s the only way for people in a bigger group setting to connect right now,” says Sabrina Moore, owner of Kollektiv Cycle.

Moore says there are three elements to the challenge: hydration, movement and mind. Each day there is a different recommendation suited for each element, such as drinking 2L of water, a 20-minute walk to find a hill and reading a book or calling a friend. Many participants share their daily goals on Instagram.

“During a time where there’s so much divide, we want to show the community that we [Crew and Kollektiv] are a united front and we stand together,” says Moore, who’s owned her business for almost three years.

Moore says the daily goals are made to be achievable for anyone. There is even a woman who is 40 weeks pregnant in the challenge.

Purves says the challenge shares positivity and light throughout people’s days, which brings a chain reaction and inspires others to do the same.

“We both have communities within our studios that we can’t be with, and we wanted a way to get people into a positive mindset and to stay moving without physically being with them,” says Purves, who’s been in the fitness industry for 15 years.

A card that marks off each day will be given to the business owners at the end of the challenge, those who complete all 21 days are eligible to win prizes.

The challenge is still open for Hatters to join in.

“We welcome anyone to join at any time because it will still bring them happiness, even though they aren’t eligible for prizes,” says Purves. “We’re here to build a strong community and bring out the wellness in everybody.”

Bike Medicine Hat is a non-for-profit organization that began in 2020.

Its Cycle for KidSport bike challenge starts May 1 and runs until May 31; 50 per cent of proceeds go to KidSport Medicine Hat and Redcliff.

Families, $11, and individuals, $6, choose a distance goal between 50 and 500 km. Participants are asked to record their bike rides during the challenge. Once their chosen goal is met, they can stop there or extend the distance to further challenge themselves.

Chair of Bike Medicine Hat Carter Gramlich says he would like the challenge to bring Hatters outdoors and experience the trails in the city, whether it’s solo, with friends or family.

“We’re hoping that it will encourage people to get out riding their bikes,” he says. “We know everyone is excited to get out and enjoy the sunshine, so we’re looking forward to seeing people ride more often and to more places in the city.”

The organization had local businesses donate prizes for the weekly draws.

KidSport Medicine Hat and Redcliff is delighted to be a part of the challenge and be supported by the community.

“The KidSport Medicine Hat and Redcliff Board are thrilled Bike Medicine Hat chose our organization to support for their first event,” stated Connelly Sherwick, KidSport board chair, in the press release.

“Whether you’re cycling to work, the grocery store or on any of the great trails to patios or parks in our community, we hope you’ll join us.”