HEALTH OF THE NATION 50 HOUR SPORTS CHALLENGE

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, will again facilitate  the Health of the Nation 50 Hour Sports Challenge at Western Province Cricket Club from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th of 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, will officially start the ball rolling at 14h00 – and once again a total of 3000 children from all over greater Cape Town will be participating.

The challenge will include a day/night hockey festival on the Friday, with a mass participation sports festival for the whole weekend.  Other sporting codes include table tennis, touch rugby, hockey, badminton, netball, 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 be recording height/weight ratios amongst the children.

You are invited to attend and report on the opening ceremony and start of the challenge, thus playing your part in assisting Sporting Chance in informing the public at large of how important exercise is in order to live a healthier lifestyle.

For any further details, or comments, please contact Brad Bing, MD Sporting Chance, via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or 082 479 2916, or Media Liaison for the event, Neil Ovens, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or 082 774 8301.