Pretoria - Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula has urged South Africans to embrace recreation and a healthy lifestyle as the country prepares to mark the first ever National Recreation Day.
“Through the National Recreation Day, we encourage South Africans to be active and take part in sports. In that way we are promoting a healthy living lifestyle and that is what it’s all about,” the Minister said, speaking at the Tshwane Events Centre in Pretoria, on Friday.
In December 2014, Cabinet declared the first Friday of October as National Recreation Day, which is aimed at making the nation aware of the need to be physically active.
National Recreation Day will be commemorated across the country on Friday with the main event being held in Pretoria.
“Recreation is one aspect that has been neglected. Every South African can take part in recreation, do something for our wellbeing. Recreation is important and is part of the ingredients and lifeblood of this nation,” he said, adding that a healthy lifestyle helps avoid certain diseases.
He said recreation should not be about drugs and alcohol. “We are emphasising the importance of physical activity,” he said.
The Minister challenged his colleagues to participate in the initiative. “I know the President walks.”
Deputy Minister Gert Oosthuizen said that although National Recreation Day is not a public holiday, it is an important initiative that is about getting the nation active.
“We also want to get children off the couches and video games and get them healthy. We want to inculcate the notion of a healthy lifestyle,” said the Deputy Minister.
On Friday, the various activities that will take place in Pretoria include dance aerobics, beach volleyball and yoga for adults. The elderly will be able to participate in chess, bowling and card games and children will be able to participate in dance, rope skipping, tug of war and an egg race.
Activities at the Tshwane Events Centre will kick off at 10 am.
South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) has a target of ensuring that at least 50% of South Africans participate in active recreational activities.
Earlier in the day, the Minister took part in a 5km cycle, as part of the activation of the day.
Among those present at Tuesday’s activation was fitness instructor Steven Baloyi, who is looking forward to National Recreation Day.
“I will be there. I exercise every day and I encourage people to do the same to avoid diseases. When you exercise you become healthy,” said Baloyi.
Springboks
Meanwhile the Minister expressed pride at the performance of the Springboks who beat Samoa 46-6 at their second game of the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.
“I’m happy about the performance of the Springboks,” said Minister Mbalula. – SAnews.gov.za
