Health and Fitness Day

Please join us for Capital Pride Health and Fitness Day activities on August 20, 2011! Jointly organized by Capital Pride and the Public Service Pride Network.

The health and sports community offers ways to improve and challenge ourselves, meet new people with common interests, strengthen our community and to network. Healthy living and fitness activities also contribute to individual well-being and achieving school/work/life balance, which is an important consideration for everyone.

Morning events take place at City Hall. Midday and afternoon events take place at near-by Riverain Park. Washrooms and rest-areas are available at both locations. Riverain Park has a children's play ground and is dog-friendly (leashed). Picnickers and sunbathers are welcome.

If you work up an appetite at Capital Pride Health and Fitness Day, there are various food options within walking distance. Todrics Restaurant (10 McArthur Ave), around the corner from Riverain Park, is offering Health and Fitness Day participants a 10% discount on brunch (between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.) and dinner (after 5:30 p.m.). Just show your participation sticker (available on site). Reservations required for dinner seating – call 613-321-0252.

So come on out and do a familiar sport/activity or maybe try something new, and then take-in the highlight of the Day's events: the Divas vs. Dykes Softball Match!

Everyone is welcome and activities are free and family-friendly. Check back here regularly for event updates and new activities.

It's a day full of good clean fun for all. So come out and get Fit to be Pride!

Getting there:

City Hall - Main entrance: 110 Laurier Ave. Secondary entrance: 111 Lisgar St. Parking available. Transitway bus stops "Metcalfe" or "Mackenzie King", then a short walk southbound to Laurier Ave.

Riverain Park - 400 North River Rd. (where Rideau St. and Montreal Rd. connect). Options to get there:

- Complimentary round-trip van shuttle from City Hall (secondary entrance, 111 Lisgar St. at Cartier St.) to Riverain Park starting at 11:30 a.m. and continuing every 30 minutes throughout the day. Last return trip from Riverain Park at 5:45 p.m.

- 25 minute walk from the Rideau Centre

- Parking available at Riverain Park (North end)

- Bus route 18 along North River Rd. ("River/McArthur" stop)

- Bus routes 12 and 14 along Rideau St./Montreal Rd. (first stop east of Cummings Bridge) Short walk southbound on North River Rd. to Park

DOWNTOWN EVENTS

Run with Ottawa Frontrunners

Time: 9:00 a.m. to approximately 10:00 a.m.

Location: Departs/ends at Ottawa City Hall, Secondary entrance, 111 Lisgar St. (at Cartier St.)

Tickets: Free

Skill level: Moderate; between 5 and 9 km

Rain or Shine

Ottawa Frontrunners (www.ottawafrontrunners.org) invites Capital Pride participants and supporters alike, whether local or from out of town, to join them for a regularly scheduled Saturday morning run that coincides with the Health and Fitness Day of Capital Pride. The "Bridges" route can be found at http://www.ottawafrontrunners.org/routes/. Variable distances (5, 7, 9 km). After the run, the group will proceed to a local restaurant near City Hall for breakfast.

Yoga with Public Service Pride Network and Women in the City

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Location: Ottawa City Hall, Control Room (Main Entrance, 110 Laurier Avenue)

Tickets: Free. Bring your own yoga mat.

Skill level: All

Rain or Shine

Begin Pride Week warmed up and relaxed with some Hatha Yoga. This 60-minute session will include instruction on basic poses, breathing techniques and relaxation. Facilitated by a certified Hatha yoga teacher. All levels welcome. Hosted by Public Service Pride Network (www.publicservicepride.ca) and Women in the City (ottawawomen@yahoo.ca).

Urban Walk with Lesbian Outdoor Group (LOG/OPALE)

Time: 10:30 a.m. to approximately 12:00 p.m.

Location: Departs/ends at Ottawa City Hall, Secondary entrance, 111 Lisgar St. (at Cartier St.)

Tickets: Free

Skill level: All

Rain or Shine

Join LOG/OPALE for a walk through beautiful downtown Ottawa. For out-of-town Pride attendees, this will be an excellent way to see the downtown core. For locals, you may be surprised to revisit familiar places on foot with a new group of friends. All-ages.

For further information, contact logopale@gmail.com or visit their website at www.lesbianoutdoorgroup.ca.

Ballroom Dance Lessons with the Public Service Pride Network and Women in the City

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Location: Ottawa City Hall, Control Room (Main Entrance, 110 Laurier Avenue)

Tickets: Free. Please wear closed close-fitting shoes.

Skill level: All

Rain or Shine

So your partner thinks they can dance? A professional same-sex ballroom dancing instructor will teach the basic steps. Singles and couples are welcome! Hosted by Public Service Pride Network (www.publicservicepride.ca) and Women in the City (ottawawomen@yahoo.ca).

Roller-blade with the National Capital Rollerblade Betties

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: Departs from Ottawa City Hall, Secondary entrance, 111 Lisgar St. (at Cartier St.)

Tickets: Free. Please bring your own roller-blades. Helmet and pads required.

Skill level: Some skill required. Variable elevations.

Fair weather only

Please join the Rollerblade Betties for a relaxed leisurely outing around some of Ottawa & Gatineau's most scenic paths along the Rideau River and Canal, and/or the Ottawa River. The route will be determined before leaving City Hall based on the skill level of the participants. While Betties are a group of gay men, all are welcome for Health and Fitness Day.

Tennis Lessons at Riverain Park

Time: Professional lessons 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Games from 3:00 p.m. onwards.

Location: Tennis Courts, Riverain Park (South end), 400 North River Rd. (where Rideau St. and Montreal Rd. connect)

Tickets: Free. Racquets provided for lessons. Bring your own racquet/balls for games.

Skill level: All

Fair-weather only

A professional tennis instructor will teach players new progressive tennis techniques, tips and drills on three courts. Courts available afterwards for games. All are welcome.

Drills 'n Skills with the Gay Ottawa Volleyball League at Riverain Park

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: Between the baseball diamonds, Riverain Park, 400 North River Rd. (where Rideau St. and Montreal Rd. connect)

Tickets: Free. Volleyballs and net will be provided.

Skill level: All ages and skill levels

Fair-weather only

Join the Gay Ottawa Volleyball (GOV) League (www.gayottawavolleyball.com) for a bit of one-on-one training followed by some volleyball fun. The GOV League players will be hosting short training sessions where you can brush up on your skills (or simply introduce yourself to the sport) and then jump onto the court to put those new skills to the test. And to have fun, of course!

Horseshoes at Riverain Park

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: Horseshoe Pitch, Riverain Park (South end), 400 North River Rd. (where Rideau St. and Montreal Rd. connect)

Tickets: Free. Horseshoes provided.

Skill level: All

Rain or Shine

Got your lucky horseshoe? Try out this high "stakes" game of pitching "ringers" back and forth in the sandy pits. All are welcome. All-ages. First-come-first-served games, sign-up sheets will be available.

Purse Toss Fundraiser at Riverain Park

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: Horseshoe Pitch, Riverain Park (South end), 400 North River Rd. (where Rideau St. and Montreal Rd. connect)

Tickets: 5 tosses for $1.00. Purses supplied.

Skill level: None

Rain or Shine

Hosted by former Pride Chair Joanne Law. Rules available on site. Fundraising proceeds go to support the Capital Pride Festival. Winner receives a gate pass to the Capital Pride Festival on August 28, 2011.

Rugby 101 Clinic with the Ottawa Wolves Rugby Team

Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Between the baseball diamonds, Riverain Park, 400 North River Rd. (where Rideau St. and Montreal Rd. connect)

Tickets: Free. Wear comfortable exercise clothes and running shoes

Skill level: All

Fair-weather only

Confused when you see rugby being played? Come out to the Ottawa Wolves' Rugby 101 Clinic and learn the basics of the sport. Go through a typical warm-up, learn to pass the ball and run some easy drills/games. All are welcome. All ages.

Bocce with the Rainbow Rockers Curling League at Riverain Park

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: Between the baseball diamonds, Riverain Park, 400 North River Rd. (where Rideau St. and Montreal Rd. connect)

Tickets: Free. Bocce equipment will be provided.

Skill level: All

Fair-weather only

Never heard of Bocce Ball? Not a problem! It's a fun and easy to learn game of "summer curling". Rainbow Rockers Curling League (www.rainbowrockers.com) players will be happy to teach others. You can see for yourself if the curlers are as good on grass as they are on the ice! All are welcome. All-ages.

Health and Fitness Day Headline Event!!

Divas vs. Dykes Softball Game with the Q-Ball Softball League at Riverain Park

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Baseball diamond, Riverain Park (South end), 400 North River Rd. (where Rideau St. and Montreal Rd. connect)

Tickets: Free

Fair-weather only. Rain-date is: Friday, August 26, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Watch as members of the Q-Ball Softball league (www.ottawaqball.com) battle in drag against the Dykes in the second annual Divas vs. Dykes Softball Match. Be prepared for some great softball, lots of laughs, lipstick and even an impromptu dance number!! Family-friendly. Bleacher seating.

Jocks and Knee High Socks fundraiser for the Ottawa Wolves Rugby Team

Time: Doors open @ 10 p.m.

Location: Babylon Nightclub, 317 Bank Street

Tickets: $8 advance / $10 door

Rain or shine

Rugby players showing off their assets! Jockstrap auction, live performances and club bumping beats! Advance tickets available at Bode Spa (www.bodespa.com) and Stroked Ego (www.strokedego.ca).

OUT-OF-TOWN EVENTS

Hike in Parc national de Plaisance along the Ottawa River with Time Out Hiking Group:

(Please note this is an out-of-town event)

When: Saturday, August 20, 2011, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Parc national de Plaisance (1001, Chemin des Presqu'îles, Plaisance, Quebec)

Skill level: medium

Fees: There is a $5.50 per individual charge to enter the park. Hikers will car cool and share gas costs.

Rain or shine

Join the Time Out Hiking Group for a hike in Parc national de Plaisance. Hikers will car pool from the National Capital Region to share gas costs. Length of hike is 12 km, with a difficulty rating (1-5) of 2. Trail description: http://www.sepaq.com/pq/pla/index.dot?language_id=1. Participants to provide own refreshments. Contact Denis Larose at lenavig@hotmail.com for more information.

Ottawa Wolves in Eastern Ontario Rugby Semi-Finals at the Petawawa Civic Centre

(Please note this is an out-of-town event)

When: Saturday, August 20, 2011, 1:30 p.m

Location: Petawawa Civil Centre (16 Civic Centre Road, Petawawa, Ontario)

Skill level: All

Tickets: Free.

Rain or shine

The Ottawa Wolves will be playing in the Eastern Ontario Rugby Union's Division II Semi-Finals. Ruck, scrum and tackle your way to the Petawawa Civic Centre to show your support as they battle for rugby supremacy in Eastern Ontario. The Petawawa Civic Centre is located in Petawawa, approximately 2 hours from Ottawa.

OTHER EVENTS

Capital Pride and Health and Fitness Events do not end with this one special day! Check the Pride Guide and the Events section of the Capital Pride website for other sporting events throughout the festival, including:

Sunday, August 21, 2011: Ottawa Out Golfing Group round of golf at Meadows Golf and Country Club. Refer to the Meadows website (http://www.themeadowsgolf.com/) for cost, location and directions. Register by August 19 by contacting Robert at rmeagher@istar.ca or 1-888-484-9118 . 101. See www.outgolfinggroup.com for more information about the Ottawa Out Golfing Group.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011: Ottawa Frontrunners (www.ottawafrontrunners.org) invites GLBTTQ women and their friends to join them for a run. Group meets at the Lisgar St. Entrance of Ottawa City Hall (111 Lisgar St.) at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 27, 2011: Ottawa Frontrunners (www.ottawafrontrunners.org) invites Capital Pride participants and supporters alike, whether local or from out of town, to join them for a run. Group meets at the Lisgar St. Entrance to City Hall (111 Lisgar St.) at 9:00 a.m.