Thirteen schools have started the pilot “Designed to move” physical activity programme, with a combined 600 pupils between the ages of seven and 12 participating.
The programme – started by Imvomvo training and management in partnership with the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) – was officially launched last week at the Winter Rose Sports Grounds in Mdantsane.
Imvomvo specialises in the development of physical activity and sport in communities and schools.
Thoko Mlonyeni, who runs Imvomvo, said the DSRAC appointed them to train volunteers who would take the pilot programme to schools.
She said the core purpose of the programme was to bring physical activities to schools which before had never offered physical education.
“Just a few generations ago, running and jumping was an integral part of the daily life…of children; we want to encourage pupils and their teachers to take part in sports and other physical activities.”
Mlonyeni added that physical inactivity had become the norm at many schools, and had had a dramatic impact on lifestyle and health.
“More than 56% of all South Africans between 15 and 64 years have at least one risk factor for a chronic disease…such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and obesity. This is very unhealthy. And very expensive,” said Mlonyeni.
Some of the activities that took place included a long walk followed by “mini-sport” activities such as soccer, cricket and rugby.
Equipment, sponsored by the DSRAC, was handed to the schools’ teachers.
Sange Mdose, a nine-year-old Grade 4 pupil from Nowonga Junior Primary School, said she had fun at the launch and was looking forward to using the equipment.
“We had so much fun today, playing with children from other schools and their teachers,” Sange said.
“I play netball at school but our balls were so old…now we at least have new balls and kit.”
Programme keeps pupils on the move
The programme – started by Imvomvo training and management in partnership with the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) – was officially launched last week at the Winter Rose Sports Grounds in Mdantsane.
Imvomvo specialises in the development of physical activity and sport in communities and schools.
Thoko Mlonyeni, who runs Imvomvo, said the DSRAC appointed them to train volunteers who would take the pilot programme to schools.
She said the core purpose of the programme was to bring physical activities to schools which before had never offered physical education.
“Just a few generations ago, running and jumping was an integral part of the daily life…of children; we want to encourage pupils and their teachers to take part in sports and other physical activities.”
Mlonyeni added that physical inactivity had become the norm at many schools, and had had a dramatic impact on lifestyle and health.
“More than 56% of all South Africans between 15 and 64 years have at least one risk factor for a chronic disease…such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and obesity. This is very unhealthy. And very expensive,” said Mlonyeni.
Some of the activities that took place included a long walk followed by “mini-sport” activities such as soccer, cricket and rugby.
Equipment, sponsored by the DSRAC, was handed to the schools’ teachers.
Sange Mdose, a nine-year-old Grade 4 pupil from Nowonga Junior Primary School, said she had fun at the launch and was looking forward to using the equipment.
“We had so much fun today, playing with children from other schools and their teachers,” Sange said.
“I play netball at school but our balls were so old…now we at least have new balls and kit.”
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