(Ottawa) --- More than 264,000 participants from more than 880 schools participated in "activ8 the Nation's Schools - World Record Hokey Pokey Challenge" that took place simultaneously across Canada at 1:15 EST on Tuesday, April 9th. The schools were challenged to break the existing World Record listed by Guinness for the largest number of participants performing the "Hokey Pokey" at the same time.

The event was planned as a Canadian celebration of World Health Day and an opportunity to promote the importance of physical activity for health. The current World Record of 6748 participants doing the Hokey Pokey at one time that was set on May 6, 1995 in Bangor, County Down, Ireland.

"We are thrilled with the number of participants who participated in this event," says CAHPERD Director of Communications, Andrea Grantham. "Schools seemed to be motivated by the opportunity to be active while attempting to get in the Guinness World Record Book.

The challenge was presented and coordinated by the Foundation for Active Healthy Kids and the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD), and supported by many provincial organizations.

"This event shows that there is a tremendous demand in our schools for fun, physical activities for kids," says Michelle Brownrigg, Manager of Projects & Public Affairs at The Foundation for Active Healthy Kids. "We hope that schools will use this as a kick off to an ongoing celebration of physical activity."

Participant information is currently being processed for submission to Guinness for official verification of the World Record.

The Foundation for Active Healthy Kids developed 'active8' as a strategy designed to get Canadian children active at school, at home and in their communities. The Foundation for Active Healthy Kids is committed to increasing physical activity in all children and youth by providing visionary leadership, serving as a knowledge broker, and supporting effective programs.

The Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) is a national, charitable organization that advocates for the healthy development of children and youth through quality health, physical education and sport experiences.

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