Rankin Inlet (June 11/03) - Students at Leo Ussak elementary school in Rankin Inlet were kicking up their heels this past month.

The school's 240 staff and students took to the halls on May 27 to join schools across Canada in attempting to set a new Guinness record.

In total, more than 240,000 participants from about 800 schools took part in the Conga Across Canada national challenge as part of Active Healthy Kids Day.

Participating Canadian schools used the Hokey Pokey to dance their way to a new Guinness record for the world's largest simultaneous dance during the 2002 edition of Active Healthy Kids Day.

Developed by The Foundation for Active Healthy Kids and the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, the annual event raises awareness of the need for increased physical activity among children and youth.

Conga Across Canada was selected as a fun-filled way to get students, teachers, parents, volunteers, and school staff in every province or territory dancing and celebrating a national day of physical activity.

Principal Cheryl Forbes says Leo Ussak took part in last year's record setting Hokey Pokey dance.

She says she still hasn't heard if this year's effort set another milestone, but, if it did, that's only the icing on the cake.

"We had so much fun last year we just had to take part again this year," says Forbes.

"If the event breaks a record that's nice, but the main thing is that it gives everyone at the school a chance to be active and doing something fun, even during a day when the weather outside is rotten."

Dr. Oded Bar-Or chairs the board of directors for the Foundation for Active Healthy kids.

He says the participation in every province and territory during Active Healthy Kids Day demonstrates that schools can be one of the key channels in engaging kids in fun, physical activity.

"Winning the battle against child obesity and inactivity will require a collective effort, utilising innovative initiatives such as Conga Across Canada," says Bar-Or. "Bravo to everyone involved!"