Motivate

- The Early Years
(1973-1979)
- Don't Just Think About it - Do It
(1983-1984)
- Body Break
(1989-1991)
- Vitality
(1991-1995)
- Sharing A Healthier Future
(1996-1998)

Mobilize

- ParticipACTION Saskatoon
- CrownLife ParticipACTION Challenge

Educate

- Healthy Active Living
(Older Adults)
- Fitness: The Facts
(Workplace)
- Project APEX
(Children)
- Promotions
(1972-79)
- Promotions
(1980-86)

Impact

- International Involvement
- Canadian Public Health Association Supplement

Structure

- Historic Timeline
- People
- Sponsors

The Early Years: TV, Radio and Print Media

Fast Facts:
Campaign: The Early Years – Television, Radio, Print Media
Dates: 1972 –1979
Description: A wide variety of messages were used to make Canadians Aware of their lack of fitness, Educate as to how to “get started”, and Introduce ParticipACTION.
Funding: Health Canada core funds.

During its first decade, ParticipACTION produced a wide variety of media messages. The objective was to create Awareness (of the inactive and unfit nature of Canadians, the health implications, plus the purpose of this new ParticipACTION organization), and to Educate Canadians (on how to get started, plus how much and what kind of activity would be beneficial).

The use of humour in many of the media messages, especially in the early years, proved to be a powerful strategy. It served to attract the attention of Canadians, without “turning them off”. It also appealed to media supporters, resulting in increased exposure for the messages.

Of the many television ads, the “60 Year Old Swede and 30 Year Old Canadian” clearly had the greatest impact. Exposed in 1973 only, the message was picked-up and repeated numerous times in the popular media for many years.

Radio during this first decade offered a new message every month! The brilliant use of humor (all produced by George Morris and Stephen Kroll of Listen! Audio Productions) guaranteed extensive play on numerous stations and attracted considerable public attention.