Pretoria – Thousands of South Africans on Sunday participated in the annual Big Walk, a recreational event held by the Department of Sports and Recreation.
The department said the Big Walk project was conceived as a result of increased incidences of obesity and lifestyle diseases.
The Big Walk is held in October which is also World Walking Month.
“The organization that encourages and lobby for the walking month is TAFISA [The Association for International Sport for All] of which the department is an affiliate member,” said the Department on Sunday.
The walk, which took place at Fountains Valley Resort in Tshwane, has seen massive growth since its debut in 2012. It has grown from 3 800 participants to beyond 15 000 participants this year.
It included 5km, 10km and 15km routes through the resort and the Voortrekker Monument.
“Walking events have long been regularly organized around the world. One of its principal aims is to encourage an increasing number of people to take up the habit of walking, and to begin to engage in walking as a conscious choice in their leisure-time activities,” explained the department.
National Recreation Day
Meanwhile, Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula thanked the nation for participating in the first ever National Recreation Day on Friday.
The main aim of the initiative was to encourage South Africans to embrace recreation and a healthy lifestyle. It was held at the Tshwane Events Centre and included various types of races and sports events.
The day was also commemorated across the country. - SAnews.gov.za
