It is 'game on' in the Rural Municipality of Ritchot.

Mayor Chris Ewen says this spring they will have a contest to determine their most active community. The winner receives $5,000 towards a community project.

Ewen explains this challenge within Ritchot is actually part of a bigger contest by ParticipACTION, called Community Better Challenge. From May 31st to June 16th, residents will track their active minutes with $150,000 awarded to the most active community in Canada. Participants track their minutes through a ParticipACTION App.

According to Ewen, convincing council to divvy up $5,000 for their initiative was an easy sell.

"Absolutely, I think it's such a great initiative," he says.

Ewen notes Ritchot is a very active municipality. He says they frequently host clinics for things like cross country skiing, curling and pickleball.

"We're very excited to have that opportunity to give back to the community for their activity because they are never really awarded for their healthy lifestyle," says Ewen.

He adds this is one step the municipality can take to show residents it pays to be active.

Amber Mamchuk, Director of Recreation Services in Ritchot pitched this idea to council, noting she hopes to get the schools involved with this challenge.

More details will be announced in the weeks to come.