Govt unpack fitness policy

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
THE Ministry of Sport and Recreation will start unpacking the country’s first ever Sports Policy this week when they launch the National Fitness and Wellness Programme which has a bias on good health and longevity rather than competition.

According to Sport and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane, the programme is set to encourage an active lifestyle among Zimbabweans of all ages and classes in response to the rising cases of non-communicable diseases that come largely as a result of the common sedentary lifestyle.

The programme, which is set to be launched at national level this Friday in Mhangura, will cascade to the provinces, districts and ward levels with the intention to reach the whole spectrum of the population.

Hlongwane said sport and recreation should be used to promote a healthy nation which in turn results in greater productivity, reduced healthcare costs, employment opportunities, increased appreciation of the benefits of health fitness and wellness by all groups of people including people with disability and the elderly.

“The whole idea behind the programme is to arrest sedentary behaviour and lifestyle which sponsor non-communicable diseases accounting for about 30 percent of the disease burden.

“The idea is to develop and cultivate a culture of healthy lifestyles and unpack a whole new industry built around outdoor and mobile gyms. We also call upon the investors to take advantage of this opportunity to offer outdoor gym concepts that are cost effective and enable all Zimbabweans regardless of age to be part of the fitness and wellness programme.

“We are going to work with development partners and mount robust awareness campaigns that stimulate interest in the programme. Such campaigns will be based on knowledge and health implications of sedentary behaviour that leads to such diseases as high blood pressure, obesity, heart problems etc.

“As Government we are determined to foster a culture of healthy lifestyle enforced by exercise regime as well as eating habits,” said Hlongwane.

The Ministry of Sport and Recreation is working hand in hand with various institutional frameworks who include the Ministry of Health and Child Care for policy formulation, implementation and oversight; Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development for research and human capital development; Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing for the provision of land and infrastructure; Ministry of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment for co-ordination and mobilisation; Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development for production of apparel and equipment and the Ministry of Media Information and Broadcasting Services for dissemination of information.

The ministry has also sought to rope in key stakeholders such as the business sector, civic society, trade unions, schools, community leaders, traditional leaders and will spearhead the formation of more fitness and wellness clubs.

Hlongwane said the programme seeks to contribute significantly to the National Domestic Product and Gross National Product, reduce disease burden by 30 percent, increase mass participation in sport and recreation activities and raise significantly the life expectancy in Zimbabwe.

The ministry will roll out massive awareness programmes to sell the idea to the common man. They will also conduct training and capacity development, facilitate investment as industry will be required to provide infrastructure, produce apparel and equipment in line with the Government economic blueprint, Zim-Asset.

“The fitness industry is a dynamic and an important part of Zimbabwean economy. It has potential to grow significantly. Of vital importance is the fact that the impact of the fitness industry extends beyond its direct contribution to the economy.

“The industry also plays a key role in improving the health and fitness of Zimbabweans. As such, it helps deliver a range of long term social and economic benefits across the community. The Zimbabwe National Fitness and Wellness Programme will endeavour to create employment and contribute to the GDP.”

Hlongwane said the Ministry plans to revive disused sports and country clubs and put in place fitness centres across the country, including in parks and other public places. The elderly and people with disability will also not be left out.

The programme will target a wide range of platforms that also include the workplace, the community, schools, tertiary institutions and the uniformed forces.

“Ultimately, the ministry calls upon all Zimbabweans, where possible, to embrace walking to work, cycling to work, walking up the stairs where one’s office is located up in high story buildings, taking part in outdoor gyms using very artisanal equipment as provided for in the manual provided for by the Government and participating in all physical activities that promote good health,” said Hlongwane.