The inaugural National Fitness Week which was launched yesterday in the boardroom of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport aims to raise healthy and fitness lifestyle awareness countrywide.
“To raise throughout the length and breadth of Guyana the levels of awareness of the importance of pursuing a healthy and fitness lifestyle,” was highlighted as the major aim of the Fitness Week programme.
The Fitness Week which will be observed from December 2 to 9 is the brainchild of Flex Night Inc. in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
During the launch yesterday Managing Director of Flex Night Inc. Donald Sinclair intimated that this year’s Fitness Week will be the first national campaign to be conducted annually to create awareness of non- communicable diseases.
Sinclair noted that lack of physical activity, improper diets, smoking and excessive alcohol intake are the main factors of causing non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, etc.
He also noted that several key constituencies have been identified to create more awareness of the campaign, including parliamentarians, the media, educational establishments, the joint services, religious organizations, seniors, smokers and persons in sedentary occupations.
The collaborative effort will target smokers to raise awareness of the ill effects of tobacco use or exposure to tobacco products.
Eating establishments: to encourage restaurants and other eating establishments to offer special low-fat or low sugar or generally healthier alternative menu choices during Fitness Week.
Health Institutions:to motivate persons in the 60 years and over age group to pay more attention to their health and fitness levels.
The services of well known local sports icons will be recruited in the awareness campaign.
Minister of Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, lauded the initiative and stated that the nation needs to be more aware of non-communicable diseases and how they can be prevented.
