First National Recreation Day encourages people to get active!
Review took to the streets of Polokwane to ask people why they think being active is important and what they do to keep active...
POLOKWANE- Many South Africans are unaware that National Recreation Day was held on 2 October.
On 12 December 2014, cabinet declared an Annual Recreation Day on the first Friday of October. By doing this, Government expected all South Africans to get involved and become aware of the need to become physically active. With the need to get an active citizenry campaign to drive South Africans to develop an ethic of being physically active, government encouraged South Africans to dedicate some part of their day on the 2nd towards participating in physical activities of their choice in order to promote life-long wellness. With the official hashtag #IChoose2BActive, Review took to the streets of Polokwane to ask people why they think being active is important and what they do to keep active.
Peter Phaleng is a personal trainer at the Virgin Active at Thornhill Shopping Centre. For him, being active is part of his job and his daily routine. He said that being active means increasing your lifespan and this leads to a fit lifestyle. “Having a healthy mind and body means making healthy decisions,” said Peter.
Annemey Louw, 16, said that being active is important because it is a way of staying healthy. To do that, Annemey swims and occasionally runs.
Yvette Louw, 13, said that being active is good for your health and she keeps active by swimming and playing netball.
As the initiative is also aimed at encouraging children to remain active, Learners at Laerskool Ivy Park had their say.
Phillip Thulare, 13, said that being active is important as it gives you the energy to tackle what ever life throws at you. “You must exercise, drink lots of water and eat fruit and vegetables,” he advises. Phillip keeps active by playing soccer with his friends as well as cricket.
Lethabo Matlala, 14, said that an active lifestyle builds strong muscles and keeps you fit. Lethabo exercises by jogging and playing Netball.
For Amaarah Mohammad, 13, keeping fit not only means being able to do more but it also means living longer and increasing one’s lifespan. Ammarah is a runner as well as a Hockey and Netball player as well as an athlete.
Boithato Makwela, 12, said that an active lifestyle is very important to maintain. “If you’re active, your brain works properly and that means you concentrate better.” She attributes her fitness to Athletics, Hockey as well as Netball.
Do you live by #IChoose2BActive? Tweet us or post on our Facebook wall!
