International Epilepsy Day is a special event that promotes awareness of epilepsy in more than 130 countries each year. On the second Monday of February every year, people join together to acknowledge and highlight the problems faced by people with epilepsy, their families and carers. This is a day for everyone – no matter where you are, how small your group, or large your area. It does not matter whether you focus on the medical or the social aspects of the condition, or are a community member who wants to know more about or support people with epilepsy. They want you to help them celebrate International Epilepsy Day! Let’s speak with one global voice by participating in the “50 million steps for epilepsy” campaign.
About the campaign
Join or organise a walk and help them to walk 50 million steps – a step for every person affected by epilepsy in the world. The campaign starts on Monday 4 January and ends on International Epilepsy Day – Monday 8 February. Epilepsy SA is walking to raise awareness, improve visibility and increase understanding of epilepsy. Will you walk with them and add your steps to their grand total?
How to count your steps
People with a Fitbit or step tracker can easily track their daily steps. Anyone who has a smartphone can also use this to track them. If you do not have a tracker or smartphone, participants can estimate their steps. On average, there are 1 350 steps in 1 kilometre. If you walk a distance of just over 3.8 kilometres, the average person will have achieved 5 000 steps. Share your completed steps and watch the total step count at www.50MillionSteps.org. Local events in Parys 1. Count your steps Epilepsy SA in Parys was planning an Epilepsy walk to create awareness, but, due to the lockdown, this could not take place. Therefore, the organisa- tion is inviting everyone in Parys to count their steps and come to Epilepsy SA, 52 Boom Street between 15:00 and 18:00 on Friday, 5 February 2021 or between 07:00 and 10:00 on Saturday, 6 February. Make a R25 donation, log your steps, and receive a badge for participating in this campaign. Covid-19 has really hampered fundraising so your participation will be greatly appreciated. This will also be a great opportunity to enter the competition below. 2. Colour and make you Flame paper doll Flame is the South African mascot for Epilepsy SA. As part of the International #50millionsteps campaign the public is invited to enter the “Flame, the stepping mascot competition” for prizes. All you have to do is download the Flame paper doll colouring page from their website www.epilepsy.ngo, colour and make it up and send us a photo to mascot@epilepsysa.org with your name and age. This is a great activity while children are still at home. Adults and children can also come at the above times on 5 or 6 February and colour and make up your Flame paper doll at the Epilepsy SA Centre in Boom Street, Parys. Photos will then be loaded on the social media sites for votes.
International Competition time!
The International Bureau for Epilepsy is running a fun competition for those taking part in the #50MilionSteps Challenge. Prizes of $250 (Approx. R3 820) will be awarded for: * Silliest steps It might be a one-legged hop or walking on stilts. It might be a walk in a silly costume. But we want to see it! * Cutest pet steps * Best baby steps. Everyone can take part in the 50 Million Steps challenge, whether big or small. Your little one might not be too steady on their feet, but every step counts! We would love to see your videos. * Best dance steps Just share your video clip on social media with the hashtag ‘#50MillionSteps’ before 8 February for a chance to win. For further enquires, contact Bianca on 056 811 5959, visit www.epilepsy.ngo or email 50million@epilepsysa.org.
