Sporting Chance, in conjunction with the UCT Exercise and Research Unit, over a 5 year period, has done research at various schools in various Provinces throughout South Africa. The results of which highlighted the drastic increase in South Africa’s youth being overweight and heading towards obesity.
September 2006 saw 3000 children from various backgrounds participating in the inaugural 50 Hour Sports Challenge, keeping a ball alive for 50 hours non-stop.
This year, Sporting Chance, in association with Oxygen Medical Scheme, again facilitated the Health of the Nation: 50 Hour Sports Challenge at the Western Province Cricket Club from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th September, the purpose of the event being to highlight the importance of being physically active.
MEC of Education for the Western Cape, Mr. Cameron Dugmore, officially started the ball rolling at 14h00 – and once again a total of 3000 children from all over greater Cape Town participated. The National Department of Health attended the festival and gave this its full support and endorsement.
The challenge included a day/night hockey festival on the Friday, with a mass participation sports festival for the whole weekend.
Other sporting codes included table tennis, touch rugby, hockey, badminton, netball, chess, tennis, soccer, rounders, a health track facilitated by Virgin Active, shuttles, and a 1km time trial running track hosted by the JAG Sports and Education Foundation.
This event, apart from highlighting the importance of sport and exercise amongst the youth of South Africa, will also educate the children and parents in leading a healthier, fitter lifestyle as opposed to the gang and drug related lifestyle rampant in many of the communities.
Being Heart awareness month, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa will have an information area, as will the Western Cape Department of Health, who, once again this year, will record height/weight ratios amongst the children.
For any further details, or comments, please contact Brad Bing, MD Sporting Chance, via email [email protected], or 082 479 2916.
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