23 Aug 2015

The Francistown community on Saturday August 22 converged on the city’s old stadium to join Batswana from all over the country to partake in the newly introduced national fitness day initiative.

The idea of the day is to encourage Batswana to engage in physical recreation at least once every month.

In an interview at the stadium, a member of Active Gymnasium, Pinnie Morake appreciated the government’s initiative, saying it was an important day in the lives of Batswana as they try to influence healthy lifestyles through the national fitness programme.

Mokare said she was thankful for the attendance, adding that at the gym people come in smaller numbers as compared to the day.

She noted that when people attended in large numbers, it gives them support and courage to make sure that they do their job more actively.

She stated that the idea also emphasised a culture of exercise and physical recreation that reduced the chances of sicknesses and leaving the mind free to be innovative and creative.

An instructor from Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Active Aerobics Club, Siku Ronaldo highlighted that as health experts, they have to advise Batswana to use such chances in order for them to stay fit, healthy and active.

He said it has become apparent that most Batswana lived sedentary lifestyles; as such he encouraged them to take part in the gym activity to fight non-communicable diseases. Instructor Ronaldo said they were available to assist Batswana with training if things were done and prepared accordingly.

A young participant, Onalethata Chifinanga said it was an interesting exercise that would be taken as a remarkable day for more years to come.

Chifananga highlighted that she believed that the national fitness programme would re-ignite and sustain their passion of developing the nation through sport.

She encouraged others, especially the young ones to engage in physical recreational activities and urged them to join social sport clubs. Ends