RANKIN INLET - A successful effort was made to increase student participation in the annual Drop the Pop campaign at Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik in Rankin Inlet this past week.

Physical education instructor Steve Faulkner took ownership of the program for the first time this year.

He said more attention had to be focused on the campaign for it to meet with better success.

"I felt, maybe, the campaign wasn't publicized as well as it deserved to be in the past," said Faulkner.

"It's even more important this year, with the entire community seeming like it's starting to becoming more health conscious.

"When you hear about things like the Biggest Loser group - and programs like yoga and aerobics growing in popularity - maybe that means fitness is becoming a bigger priority in Rankin Inlet."

The program encourages students to stay away from pop for one full school week, opting for healthier choices when they reach for a drink.

Activities such as a school breakfast are also held to highlight the Drop the Pop campaign during the week.

Faulkner said the school receives a bit of funding to support the program.

He said the funding is dictated by the number of students enrolled at the school.

"We had between 200 and 250 students take part in this year's program.

"And, from the students I talked to during my classes, I'd estimate about 80 to 85 per cent went pop free.

"The numbers get calculated at the end of the program, and the class with the highest number of successful participants wins a pizza party for its home room."

Faulkner said it's important for students to be encouraged to stay away from pop during the week and beyond.

He said, during the start of his gym class, he and his students often talk about the importance of getting proper rest, exercising away from school and healthier eating habits.

"During those discussions we often talk about trying to drink more water and less pop.

"We also talk about making healthy choices with other beverages and not those energy drinks that are so popular right now.

"It all boils down to making healthy choices and not giving in to quick, unhealthy fixes.

"Many of the people in Rankin now seem to be realizing how important it is to look after your body, and the rewards that go with that are a big payoff."