Public servants in the North West province are taking the benefits of physical activities very seriously.
Research has proven that physical activities can play a significant role in reducing obesity and the risk of non-communicable diseases such as heart attack, diabetes and high blood pressure, among others.
With this in mind, over 8500 public servants gathered at various places across the province last week, to engage in physical activities such as running, walking, aerobics, indigenous games and other extramural activities.
It was all part of the “Move for Health Day,” which is celebrated annually across the world during the month of May to promote healthy lifestyles and the benefit of physical activities in combating health-related issues.
In Mahikeng, Director-General Dr Lydia Sebego encouraged the multitude of public servants gathered at the Botanical Gardens near Garona Government Complex to take wellness activities very seriously.
“Everyone must encourage at least ten people to take part in wellness activities. As government, we saw it fit to take a closer look at our policy on sport and recreation in order to promote health in the workplace,” Dr Sebego said.
One of the organizers of the provincial Move for Health Day, Chake Mokoka said she was extremely pleased with the way the provincial celebrations unfolded.
“The Provincial and District events went extremely well. We had approximately 8500 employees participating. This surpassed our expectation by far because we had initially expected about 3000 participants. This highlighted the power of interdepartmental cooperation and collaboration,” said the elated Chake.
The provincial celebrations were coordinated by Office of the Premier in partnership with the Department of Health, Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs and the Department of Education and Sport Development.
For enquiries, contact:
Brian Setswambung
Cell: 084 702 3775 / 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
