Over 3000 children converged on Western Province Cricket Club this past weekend from local communities, and succeeded in an attempt to “Keep The Ball Alive” for a full 50 hours.
The event kicked off at 2pm on Friday, coming to an emotional finish at 4pm yesterday, Sunday 25th September.
Event facilitator, Sporting Chance’s MD Brad Bing, felt that he achieved his company’s objective.
“It’s through the success of this weekend that we have created an awareness of the Health of the Nation project, and the fun aspect attached to being physically active,” said Bing.
“This weekend wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the fantastic sponsorship we received from Oxygen Medical Scheme from Old Mutual, plenty of refreshments and food supplied by Woolworths, and each participant receiving a goodie bag filled with stationary from Waltons.”
Since the Education Department scrapped formal physical education in SA’s schools, it has become Sporting Chance’s ideal to source a coach for every school that didn’t have the means – providing the vital need for physical activity – proven in the Health of the Nation survey.
Following the testing of over 70 schools and 10 500 children around South Africa by Sporting Chance, with results analysed by the UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and published in the South African Medical Journal, it is evident that the South African children in this sample show relatively high levels of overweight and obesity, similar to the international patterns in developed countries of a decade ago.
The primary objectives of the 50 Hour Sports Challenge were to highlight the importance of physical activity in building a positive future, build a better understanding between different communities and cultures and provide everyone with an equal opportunity whilst participating in physical activity in a non-elitist, fun environment.
The City of Cape Town added support to the event via the Department of Sport and Recreation, the Department of Health and the Department of Community Safety.
Mr David Maralack, Manager, Sport and Recreation of the City Of Cape Town, “This event will certainly contribute to promoting healthier lifestyles in our community and complements our endeavours to ensure mass participation in sport and recreation.”
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa (HSFSA) gave the weekend it’s full support and used the event as the local highlight of World Heart Day yesterday.
Visitors were able to visit the HSFSA stand for free advice on risk factors associated with heart disease.
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