Writen by Kathleen Mc Quaide-Little (Sports Scientist and Health Promotions Manager, SSISA)

Photos by Cath Coupar (Health Promotions and Media Co-ordinator, SSISA)

Usain Bolt would have been impressed with the speed at which the 5km “Move for Your Health” Don Lock athletes, many of them pint-sized, left their starting blocks at this annual event on Sunday 30 August in Claremont, Cape Town! Jostling for positions, almost 1 300 learners took to the streets, in near perfect weather conditions, to “Move for their Health”. Four kilometers later, the pace had dropped off somewhat - and one little learner breathlessly said to a colleague of mine - ”Oh Aunty - but it’s so far!”

This event formed part of the Move for Health global initiative – introduced by the World Health Organisation in 2002, to promote and encourage regular physical activity for a healthy lifestyle. The Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA), Celtic Harriers, the City of Cape Town, Woolworths, MySchool, the Community Newspapers and Let’s Play joined forces, in a 6 week campaign, culminating in the Don Lock Memorial event, with a view to creating a positive, vibrant and fun view of exercise.

Considering the ever- burdening problem of inactivity, overweight and chronic diseases of lifestyle in our South African youth – initiatives like this are vital. The City of Cape Town’s Director of Sport, Recreation and Amenities, Mr Gert Bam, who himself took part, was extremely pleased with the number of learners  from disadvantaged areas. He added - “it’s an indication that our attempt to get our children to participate in meaningful recreational and social events, is beginning to reap benefits”.

Many kids carried event posters to further spread the positive message of physical activity – such as “I’m moving for my health” or “Take it to the max”.  Having crossed the finish line - beaming learners, sporting their trendy “Move for Your Health” t-shirts, medals hanging from their necks, queued up for more fun. Face painting – was a big attraction for the younger ones, whilst others tackled the SSISA/Woolworths Health Track - where they were put through their paces doing sit-ups, press-ups and the likes. Others, arm in arm - moved rhythmically to the harmonious melodies played by the Marimba musicians; tired - but happy and content. Gum boot dancing and choir singing by LEAP school, added to the carnival atmosphere.

At a prize-giving at the Sports Science Institute, on 10 September, various schools will be rewarded for mass participation. Sponsoring this schools competition, was Woolworths and MySchool and Mr Pieter Twine, General Manager of the company’s loyalty and MySchool programme, had the following to say. “It was great fun running with the learners and our objective of getting more learners active, was achieved”.

Rather than this being a once-off campaign - we sincerely hope that our “Move for Your Health” message is now being integrated into lives. It’s vital, that as adults – we provide regular, fun opportunities for physical activity for our youth and that we lead by example. What better gift can we give our children - than that of a chance of good health.