Officially, Glenn Thibeault attended Wednesday’s launch of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge as Sudbury’s MPP, but he’s also the father of two young girls and knows first-hand how important it is for children to make healthy choices.

He’s also aware of the serious problem posed by childhood obesity in Canada, where rates have nearly doubled nationally, and in this province, where it’s now estimated 28 per cent of children, and 41 per cent of aboriginal children, are either overweight or obese.

“Our government realized this is an issue that needs to be tackled head on,” Thibeault said Wednesday, during a press conference at Tom Davies Square in Sudbury, one of 45 communities taking part in the Healthy Kids Community Challenge.

On your mark. Get set. And go.

The Ontario Liberals announced Thursday the city and Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre will receive more than $1.5 million over three years to kick-start the good health habits of local children.

They are among 45 communities that have been selected to take part in the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, which promotes healthy eating, physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices for children.

Sudburians looking for a break from the seemingly endless food and music festivals that take place in the Nickel City’s warmer months may just find what they are looking for this weekend with Up Fest, an emerging art festival that plans to take over Sudbury’s downtown core.

Up Fest begins today and runs until Saturday, and will see Durham Street temporarily closed down, covered with sod and renamed the Shkagamik-Kwe Playground, to make way for the interactive art instillations and live music that will be featured over the weekend.