THE Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture in collaboration with Lesego
Memorial Trust on Friday held a walkathon under the banner of “Curbing non-
communicable diseases and fighting drugs and dangerous substance abuse through
sports #mystridemyhealth”.
The Ministry and Lesego co-hosted the walkathon to raise awareness within the
communities about drug abuse, but specifically among the youths.
The event started off with aerobics as early as 6 am on Friday at Phelandaba
Stadium, where Government employees joined members of the community in flexing
their muscles.
After massive body flexing, which was conducted by professional trainers from
Wellness Gym, participants then went for a 7km walk from stadium, to Jahunda
Park, the Old People’s Home, Spitzkop, Phakama and back to the stadium.
After the walkathon, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr
Evelyn Ndlovu then gave a keynote address, during which she strongly emphasised
the importance of fitness and well-being of Government employees.
In a speech read on her behalf by Economic Director in the Minister’s office,
Richmond Ncube, she said walking helps the body to stay fit.
“Walking regularly has been known for reducing the risk of chronic diseases, include
high blood pressure and certain types of cancer.
“Research also suggests that individuals who engage in walking tend to have a
reduced risk of premature death to various diseases.
“Therefore, walking is a simple yet effective way of increasing life expectancy and
promote longevity,” explained the Minister.
In addition, she said walking even provides better psychological benefits as it
promotes relaxation, increases focus and enhances creativity. The results of walking
have proven to have a positive impact when it comes to dealing with arthritic and any
other joints issues.
The walk for life programme is undertaken annually with a view to cultivate active
citizens, as well as to retaining the healthy well-being of communities in the country.
The programme also seeks to educate people on the benefits of participating in sport
and recreation. Walk for Life Programme will augment the promotion of fitness and
wellness amongst people in different communities.
A platform will be created, where people from different communities, officials from
different ministries assemble to appreciate the benefits of sports. In addition, the
event’s main mandate is for educating and impartation of life skills through sport and
recreation.
Frank Baloyi, the acting Director in the Ministry of Youths, warned parents from
exposing their children to easy access to cash, which said they could later misuse by
buying drugs.
“What pains me most is that drug peddlers are well-known here in Gwanda and are
scot-free. Let us fight drugs and dangerous substance abuse as one community
because this has destroyed the future of our children,” said Baloyi.
