Victoria Primary School is among six schools nationwide to each be awarded R10 000 in a challenge aimed at
promoting exercise and fighting obesity among learners.
Victoria Primary School is among six schools nationwide to each be awarded R10 000 in a challenge aimed at
promoting exercise and fighting obesity among learners.
The competition, which was started by Discovery Vitality in 2009, challenged schools across South Africa to design, develop and implement playground circuits to increase learners’ participation in physical activity.
The course that won Victoria Primary the challenge was already in place in 2008 and consists of nine obstacles over half a kilometre.
Michelle Rafferty, a teacher at the school, designed the course in consultation with human movement specialist Anna Marsh.
“Each obstacle aims at developing various strengths and movements that are vital for learning such as crawling, crossing the mid-line and strengthening the upper body,” says Rafferty.
“It encourages a healthy and fit lifestyle in a fun way.” The head of Vitality Wellness, Dr Craig Nossel, said the competition was initiated because fun activities like playground circuits encouraged schoolchildren to exercise regularly and could help them develop the skills and confidence needed to be more physically active.
“Establishing exercise as an enjoyable and regular habit in childhood can go a long way to curbing obesity and preventing chronic diseases later on in life,” he said. Rafferty said Victoria Primary would use the prize money to purchase more sports equipment.
