Sport Canterbury’s tea rooms have been taken over by a special sense of camaraderie – and counting steps may be responsible.

In 2016, the Regional Sports Trust responsible for keeping “More People, More Active, More Often” across the Canterbury West Coast region accepted the role of lead provider for Healthy Families Christchurch.

In the process of two teams becoming one, the shared vision for community wellness has manifest in new programmes and collaboration.

The latest development in this partnership takes the form of a workplace wellness challenge. Sport Canterbury Chief Executive Julyan Falloon presented the challenge to staff at the start of winter, hoping to improve morale and motivation over the winter months.

“Businesses that value their employees – and support their wellbeing – are more likely to be successful,” Falloon says.

Sport Canterbury’s Winter Warmer Challenge has brought staff together with a sense of friendly competition. They have set an example in “walking the talk,” says Falloon – and Regional Sports Trusts around the country are watching closely.

Each staff member belongs to a team, and each week the challenge is different.

The goal for week one is to complete 30 minutes of exercise each day; in week two, teams will aim to total five servings of fruit and veg each day.

“Our thinking is that staff who look after themselves…will feel better, and this clearly affects their contribution to our team and business.”

Falloon embraces the philosophy that staff should "lead from where they stand." As part of this approach, Physical Health Advisor Steve Getting was given the opportunity to drive the project internally. He earned staff-buy in and generated interest by creating a thoughtful and inspiring series of challenges.

"We are currently placing emphasis on staff wellbeing within the Trust, and this a fun and enjoyable way of raising awareness around everyone’s health and wellbeing."

In 2017, Getting was charged with developing a workplace wellness challenge specifically for health practices - motivating the employers and staff alike to show they could "walk the talk." He believes that by creating a spirit of friendly competition, the work environment is an ideal place to influence people to consider lifestyle changes.

Last year, 20 Christchurch health practices came on board and completed Sport Canterbury's challenge. Getting was impressed with not only the level of engagement - but the enthusiasm of participants as well.

Week eight of Sport Canterbury’s own challenge has just been completed. Falloon is pleased with the potential, and what the challenge has proven is possible.

“We see more and more workplaces across the Canterbury region interested in this type of initiative. The benefits start with the individual – and end up helping the organisation in more ways than we can measure.”

Sport Canterbury announced results on Friday from our first annual Winter Warmer Challenge.

Prizes were awarded for Most Supportive Teammate, Overall Winning Team, Best Performing Individual and Best Performing Team, as well as Best Photo.

Overall Winning Team: Isaac, Debbie, Janine, Mike, Sophie and Penny

Best Performing Team: Vicki, Chloe, Mike, Losana, Ricki and Lyn

Most Supportive Teammate: Cheryl

Best Performing Individual: Chloe