17 Apr 2017

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Thapelo Olopeng has said plans were underway for the national fitness day programme to be rolled out to all government departments and parastatals.

Speaking at the national fitness day which kick started Easters’ festivities in Maun recently, Olopeng said involvement of all organisations including parastatals in the national fitness programme would enhance partnerships and promote organisations.

He noted that exercising had been recognised as instrumental in curbing non-communicable diseases which were life-threatening. Non-communicable diseases, he said contributed to high medical bills which negatively affected the Ministry of Health and Wellness budget hence a cause for concern.

Olopeng noted that his ministry had been focusing on professional sports such as athletics and football which were not inclusive to all individuals, hence the inception of the National Fitness day in 2015, which would be hosted second Friday of every month for public officers.

He said district youth offices, currently coordinated the fitness day monthly activities in their respective regions. The programme, he said was beneficial to all who participated, health wise in body and mentally.

Further, he appreciated all who made the Maun National Fitness day a success by attending in satisfactory numbers although it was on a holiday.

In his remarks, Councillor Abel Molelo said the event recognised the value of exercising in the lives of people. Molelo said exercising had proven to reduce lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and others.

He also commended the minister for bringing changes in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development. BOPA