The Health of the Nation research project aimed to create a nationally representative database against which to measure changing norms for physical activity and physical fitness in children, or as a means of “benchmarking” implementation of successful school and community-based intervention in the form of lifestyle physical activity, school sports, and physical education.

Launched in the Western Cape in 2001 by Managing Director of Sporting Chance, Brad Bing. The concept evolved to test over seventy schools and 10 500 children from various cultural and historical backgrounds across 5 Provinces - Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern and Western Cape.

Test results were analysed by the UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa and it became obvious that South Africa is facing a huge problem with regards to getting the nation to keep active and participate in physical activity.

With the results of the Health of the Nation research project, Sporting Chance launched the Health of the Nation: 50 hour sports challenge with the inaugural event being held in September 2006.

The Health of the Nation: 50 hour sports challenge achieved its objective of raising awareness of the importance of physical activity in a child’s life. In addition, it introduced thousands of children to the benefits of physical activity and various sport codes.
 
 The long term objectives of the Health of the Nation project is to implement a sustainable program in schools which highlights the benefits of being physical active and leading a healthy lifestyle. The Health of the Nation project will empower primary schools with transferable skills and activity sessions that strike the right balance between sport, academics and play.

50 HOUR SPORTS CHALLENGE  CONCEPT

The Health of the Nation: 50 hours sports challenge came about from the research from the Health of the Nation project and its aim is to bring children together from different backgrounds and highlight the importance of physical activity. The event involves non–stop sport at one particular venue for a total of 50 hours. Different sport codes are played simultaneously throughout the 50 hours with the aim to KEEP THE BALL ALIVE i.e. a ball will never come to a stand still.

The event takes place at one venue which includes all the relevant facilities i.e. sports arena/indoor hall, Astroturf, tennis courts, squash courts, bowling greens, grass fields, etc. The venue is demarcated specifically for the Health of the Nation: 50 hour sports challenge and all activity that takes place at this venue is measured and included in the challenge

The participants, coaches and facilitators come from schools, clubs and organizations in the various communities of the region.

The sports include the following among others:

Indoor Codes:      

- table tennis
- indoor soccer
- indoor hockey
- handball
- badminton
- volleyball
- squash
- basketball
- netball

Outdoor Codes:

- fitness track/running
- cricket
- touch rugby
- field soccer
- field hockey
- tennis
- bowls
- rounders

Objectives:

• Show children the value of sport and physical activity in building a positive future.
• Raise awareness of the importance of physical activity.
• Build a better understanding between different communities and cultures.
• Provide everyone an equal opportunity whilst playing sport in a non-elitist, fun environment.
• Offer South African children a healthy and positive alternative to a sedentary and disruptive lifestyle
• Promote and market specific sports codes.
• Identify and nurture raw and natural talent
• Provide employment opportunities within sporting environment.