Car free day. No worry for your child. A car is not allowed at car free day
City of Kigali has been awarded global ‘Public Fitness award’-one of Wellbeing City Awards categories sponsored by NewCities, non-profit organization that aims at shaping a better future for cities.
Wellbeing City Awards – The prestigious international recognition is the first of its kind. It recognizes cities placing wellbeing at the center of urban design, planning, and policies.
Over more than 100 cities were considered during the award,but only 16 cities made it to the final list with four categories of awards including; economy and opportunity, community livelihoods , and sustainable environment awards.
City of Kigali competed with Gothenburg (Sweden), Los Angeles (USA), and Vancouver (Canada) on the ‘Public Health Laureate award.’
The City of Kigali has been selected and awarded for ‘Car Free Day’-The bi-monthly activity which includes; free community sports and medical check-ups.
Started in 2016, ‘Car Free Day’ also sensitizes participants on health and environmental issues, increasing physical activity, and preventing chronic diseases.
Marie Chantal Rwakazina, Mayor of City of Kigali, said: “We are so excited the City of Kigali being selected as a laureate of 2019, Wellbeing City Award in the Public Health category.”
“This is a vote of confidence for Kigali Car Free Day as an activity that promotes healthy living and wellbeing in the city. We thank our citizens who have embraced the ‘Car Free Days’ and all our partners who have made this innovative activity a success.”
Rwakazina further said; “We shall continue fostering the wellbeing of our citizens and we intend to multiply efforts and expand the Car Free Day.”
John Rossant, NewCities Founder and Chair, said: “Wellbeing of Citizens is improved by brave design, it’s the foundation of happy and healthy cities and citizens.”
He added “It is fantastic to see and congratulate them for being this year’s Public Health laureate – it is well deserved.”
In other categories, Santa Monica from USA scooped Community award, City of Pune(India) won Economy and Opportunity while Lisbon(Portugal) got Sustainable Environment award.
City of Milan, Italy has been announced overall winner 2019 Wellbeing City.
As part of the final phase of the category awards, NewCities brought together an esteemed Jury of Experts, including; Arianna Huffington, Rwanda’s Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, Daniel Libeskind, and Ede Jorge Ijjasz-Vasquez to judge final winners.
