HEALTH OF THE NATION: 50 HOUR SPORTS CHALLENGE 2006

Over 3000 children converged on Western Province Cricket Club this past weekend, transported from local communities -  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 on Sunday 24th September.

Groups of 400 children at a time were provided transport from their communities to spenda 4 hour session at the host venue, Western Province Cricket Club to take part in the 12 different sports codes, including among others: hockey, soccer, touch-rugby, table tennis, badminton, cricket, squash and tennis – spending 45 minutes at each area before being circulated to the next sport code. They were also taken in groups to the area supported by the City of Cape Town's Department of Health – diet and nutrition – where their weight & height were recorded.

Since the Education Department scrapped formal physical education in SA's schools, Sporting Chance began the testing of over 70 schools and 10 500 children around South Africa to assess the Health and fitness levels of South African children of all cultures and back grounds. The data collected was analysed by the UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and published in the South African Medical Journal, Vol 96, No 5 in May 2006 – the conclusion as published reads – “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 and fun environment. 
 
Let's Play is a nationwide initiative that encourages children to participate in all physical activities. Although weight management is a clear benefit of regular activity, children also develop friendships, self-confidence, co-ordination and improved concentration through regular sport participation. "This 50-hour Challenge presented so many children with an introduction to a variety of ball-orientated sports," says Vaughn Bishop, Head of CSI for Let’s Play. "The children who participated in this event will return home motivated and encouraged to continue these activities in their everyday lives - and this is what Let's Play is all about. We're proud to be involved as a media partner to this 50-hour Challenge and we support the continuation of this event for its valuable contribution to these children's lives."
 
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. 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.”

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.