Children walk against obesity at Katlehong Stadium

Kids Walk Against Obesity was an outing for teenagers aged between seven and 10 and it took place recently at the Katlehong Stadium – covering a distance of 4.6km to the Katlehong Art Centre and back.

The event was aimed at creating awareness about the growing problem of childhood obesity in South Africa. Obesity among South African children has doubled in the last six years, hence the organisers saw the need to address and tackle the problem by staging a health walk.

There are various identified causes of child obesity, including malnutrition, unhealthy behavioural patterns, and lack of physical activity in schools. The goal of the health walk was to introduce young children to the joy of physical activity.

More than 700 excited participants from five schools – Matsediso Primary School, Keketso Primary School, Intokozo Primary School, Ntuthuko Primary School and Maitjibulo Primary School, which had the biggest number of participants, took part.

“As a former learner at Maitjibulo, I am particularly humbled by the support showed towards giving every child the opportunity to participate,” said Sharon Tolo, the event director.

“Our aim is to get more organisations, business people and companies involved in this event by partnering with us. For this year’s event, we had Dumisani Chauke Netball Foundation donating second-hand takkies, sanitary towels and sanitary product samples. We call on more organisations in this regard,” added Mpho Tolo, chairperson of the Panthers Netball Club.

“The event is not only about walking and educating learners about obesity, but it is also a platform to give children something that will change their lives in the long run. It is so heart-warming and fulfilling to witness the actual event taking place after all the hard work over months of preparation,” she explained.

The organisers have promised to include additional activities and urge school teachers to encourage learners to participate in such initiatives.