About Us

Southwestern Ontario in motion is a comprehensive, community-wide health promotion strategy that encourages everyone in Windsor-Essex, Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent to make physical activity a part of their daily lives.

As the lead agency, the South West Area Recreation Guild (SWARG) & Southwestern Ontario in motion will lead the collective action of community partners in creating a "culture of physical activity" in the tri-county area. Through promotion and engagement in physical activity, SWARG will lead the collective action of community partners in Windsor-Essex, Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent towards a healthy and vibrant lifestyle for all.

Southwestern Ontario in motion was launched in October 2008 with over 20 local and regional partners.

Why do we need to be "in motion"?

An Epidemic in our Region:

  • 48.6% of regional population, compared to 47.1% of Ontario population are physically inactive (LHIN, 2003).
  • 52.9% of regional population, compared to 48.5% of Ontario population are obese or overweight (LHIN, 2003).
  • 35.2% of population compared to 40.2% of Ontario population consume fruits & vegetables 5 or more times per day (LHIN, 2003).
  • The rate of Type-2 Diabetes, largely due to excess body fat and physical inactivity, is higher in Windsor-Essex County than the provincial and national averages.
  • Childhood obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes; one in three children born since 2000 will likely develop diabetes.
  • Chatham-Kent was cited as a "hotspot" for heart disease by the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2002.

Southwestern Ontario in motion Operating Principals:

  1. Physical activity will be the key component to the "whole body" wellness strategy.
  2. Initiatives will be achieved through a collaborative approach with private, public, and volunteer sectors in the communities of Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton and Windsor-Essex.
  3. Focus will be on a proactive approach to health versus a reactive one (i.e. health promotion and illness prevention versus treatment).
  4. Equitable choices and opportunities will be available throughout the tri county, initially through a targeted approach moving towards inclusiveness.
  5. SWARG and its partners will determine and establish priorities for physical activity initiatives that meet the established criteria. Priority will be given to sustainable initiatives and programs.
  6. Regional marketing and communication campaigns will reflect consistent messaging as it relates to in motion and the promotion of physical activity.