Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Reporter
ITS a full house in Hall 2 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centreir (ZIEC) in Bulawayo on Saturday where fitness and wellness enthusiasts have gathered to register for the Wellness Plus Movement.
The Wellness Plus Movement, an initiative spearheaded by Colonel Dr Miniyothabo
Baloyi-Chiwenga, is targeting overweight and obese participants and will combine physical training and healthy dieting as part of a broader campaign to promote fitness and wellness.
The winner will receive US$5 000, with the runner-up getting US$3 000 and the third-placed participant US$2 000.
The challenge will run until December 20, with organisers saying additional prizes from partners would be announced later.
The overwhelming response from by fitness and wellness enthusiasts that include men and women of various ages, boys and girls is proof that residents of Bulawayo are health consious and are ready to tackle obesity.
Participants in the challenge will be required to lose weight through physical exercise and dieting, with organisers ruling out what they describe as “unnatural means.”
Participants will also be required to post at least one workout session on their social media platforms each week.
They must be willing to be weighed or checked by independent assessors upon registration to avoid cheating.
Participants found to have used “unnatural means” to lose weight during the challenge will be disqualified.
Judging will go beyond weight loss, with the panel also considering participants’ positive influence and advocacy for healthy lifestyles.
The judges will consider the positive influence and healthy lifestyle advocacy by the participant.
The panel of judges will be healthy lifestyle experts and enthusiasts, while the participants must be willing to advocate for a healthy lifestyle in our society,” she said.
Participants will also be required to consent to the use of their media material and personal details for educational and motivational purposes.
The organisers are inviting volunteers, fitness professionals, health and diet experts and sponsors to partner the initiative.
