View a Photo Slide Show Highlighting the Winning Projects >>

In Latin America, 40-60% of adults do not get enough physical activity, placing them at higher risk for diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Unfortunately, countries around the globe are witnessing similar upswings in the proportion of out-of-shape and overweight people amongst their citizenries. In fact, physical inactivity causes an estimated 1.9 million deaths worldwide each year. While many factors are to blame for modern societies’ bulging waistlines, urban sprawl, car-centric cities, and lack of public space are important contributors to the problem.

The ‘Active Cities, Healthy Cities’ Contest recognizes Latin American cities that have helped get their residents out of their cars or off of their couches, and engaged in healthier, more active lifestyles. City initiatives eligible for entry in the competition include the creation of walking or biking paths, the development of high quality public mass transit, the promotion of public safety, and the improvement of public spaces.

The 2008 ‘Active Cities, Healthy Cities Contest’ honored projects in three separate categories:

Physical Activity and Recreation

• 1st place: “Muevete en Bici” (“Get on your bike”) - Mexico City, Mexico
• Honorable Mention: “Jueves de Danzon” ("Danzon Thursdays") - Tulancingo, Mexico
• Honorable Mention: "Muevete San Borja" ("Get Moving San Borja") - San Borja (Lima), Peru

Learn more about the honorees in the Physical Activity and Recreation Category >>

Public Space, Security, and Civic Culture

• 1st place: “Calazados Para Todos” (“Sidewalks for Everyone”) - Londrina, Brazil
• Honorable Mention: "Jardin Vertical" ("Vertical Garden") - Mexico City, Mexico
• Honorable Mention: “Eloisa Chiquis Cabada” Parque Recreativo, Deportivo y Cultural (Receration, Sports, and Cultural Park) - Durango, Mexico

Learn more about the honorees in the Public Space, Security, and Civic Culture Category >>

Sustainable Transport and the Environment

• 1st Place: Inter-municipal Alternative Mobility Trail -Tulancingo, Mexico

Learn more about the honoree in the Sustainable Transport and the Environment Category >>