PREMIER Christy Clark on Friday invited yogis from around British Columbia to roll out their mats, practise their favourite pose and help make history on the Burrard Street Bridge for the International Day of Yoga (IDY).

YYoga,  lululemon athletica, and Altagas are partnering with the Province to join jurisdictions from around the globe to celebrate IDY on June 21. All parties are working toward the goal of hosting the largest IDY celebration outside of India. The official slogan of the event is “Om The Bridge”, and people are encouraged to use the hashtag #OmTheBridge leading up to and on IDY.

As integral parts of the yoga community around the Lower Mainland, lululemon athletica and YYoga are thrilled to partner in this inaugural event. lululemon is leading the marketing of the event and will have its knowledgeable staff on hand to guide and advise participants. YYoga will be reaching out to the network of yoga studios and practitioners around the province to promote IDY participation, and will engage four expert instructors from the Vancouver yoga community to lead participants through an hour-long yoga session.

The City of Vancouver and City of Surrey are also proud to be supporting IDY. Altagas will sponsor the event with a $10,000 contribution. Yogis are encouraged to arrive at the Burrard Street Bridge by 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 21 for an 8:30 a.m. start. The bridge will be temporarily closed between 4 a.m. and 11 a.m. to vehicular traffic in both directions that morning.

In December 2014, the IDY was declared by consensus at the United Nations General Assembly. In April of this year, the Prime Minister of India made a historic visit to British Columbia and Canada, promoting the IDY during his trip.

During a recent trade mission to India, Premier Clark committed to building on the Province’s priority of strengthening economic and cultural ties with India.

It is estimated that close to 200 million people around the globe practise yoga, with the majority of them in India. There are an estimated 20 million practitioners in North America.

Clark said: “India has given the world a great gift in yoga, with dedicated followers around the world. It’s become part of the cultural fabric in B.C., and particularly so in the Lower Mainland. That’s why we’re inviting beginners and yogi masters alike from across the province to Vancouver – to come together to celebrate yoga in record numbers, and most importantly, have fun.”

Laurent Potdevin, lululemon athletica CEO, said: “The first lululemon store shared its retail space with a yoga studio. Almost two decades later, we continue to elevate the level of health and fitness in every community that we touch around the world. We are thrilled to be a part of an event that celebrates yoga globally and in our hometown.”

Terry McBride, YYoga CEO, said: “Vancouver is known around the world as a vibrant yoga hotspot, and this event will reinforce our global reputation for healthy and balanced living. YYoga is very excited to support the community celebration of International Day of Yoga here in Vancouver.”

Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner said: “The UN declared International Day of Yoga is not just about promoting and enhancing health, but it’s also about how clarity of vision and action can be brought about. I think it is fitting to have a day dedicated to personal well-being and harmony and the City of Surrey has acknowledged this day through an official proclamation.”

David Cornhill, Altagas CEO, said: “Altagas is honoured to support the International Day of Yoga celebrations in Vancouver. We’re proud to help sponsor an event that will bring communities together in B.C. and around the globe to promote healthy living and international co-operation.”