President Faure helps kickstart new fitness initiative |05 January 2018

A new national fitness initiative which aims to inculcate a healthier lifestyle through the simple act of walking or running was introduced yesterday afternoon.

At the helm of this initiative is President Danny Faure who took part in the first session held at Stad Popiler.

He was joined by Vice-President Vincent Meriton, Minister for Health Jean-Paul Adam, chief executive of the National Sports Council (NSC) Giovanna Rousseau, various ministers, members from the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF), Seychelles Police Force and Ministry of Health among others.

All those present were fitted in their sportswear to walk, jog or run ‒ depending on their stamina ‒ around the stadium.

The latest initiative is part of the government’s commitment in securing the health of its people in order to curb the rising epidemic of obesity and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and heart failures.

More than 65% of the adult population in Seychelles is overweight while the statistics currently stand at 22% for children. In fact, data collected by the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates that Seychelles has the highest proportion of overweight and obese population in sub-Saharan Africa.

In his impromptu speech before the workout session began, Minister Adam stated that prevention of these diseases should come in the way of a more nutritional and healthier diet combined with regular exercise.

The minister also took the opportunity to thank President Faure for showing his support to the cause.

“This is an example that will motivate others to not only exercise but exercise regularly. We each exercise to our rhythm and capacity but the most important thing is that we are doing it.”

“These are the type of mindset we have to introduce in our workplaces and in schools, especially since a recent study has shown that our youths are becoming increasingly inactive,” he went on.

The fitness sessions are expected be conducted weekly, every Thursday afternoon at Stad Popiler as from 4.30pm.

“I think it is a great programme and I support anything and everything that gets people moving and active,” Williana Dubois, a fitness instructor from the NSC commented.

She added that people should not be embarrassed to be seen exercising because it is for their own benefit.

The fitness regime is expected to be brought to districts nationwide in the near future.