Laureus Sport-for-Good ambassadors Morne du Plessis, Lucas Radebe and Baby Jake Matlala helped promote a healthier South African community by addressing delegates at the seventh Vitality Wellness and Fitness convention in Sandton.
The sporting greats of yesteryear discussed how sport, and following a healthy lifestyle, had an influence on their lives and the people they interact with.
"I think I'm speaking on behalf of everyone here and we all believe that a healthier, better feeling nation will help us in overcoming any challenge," said former Springbok captain Morne Du Plessis who is currently the managing director of the Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA).
Attendance doubled
Interest in the health convention nearly doubled since the previous event.
This can be attributed to what health experts describe as a heightened health consciousness in society.
"There has been a huge upwelling of interest in the industry in learning more and sharing information," said SISSA CEO Brent Walsh.
"Every time we have hosted the event we have learnt something new, we have learnt that there are new opportunities to provide information in different areas of health and wellness."
Focus for this year
This year special focus has also been placed on the wellness of children and wellness in the corporate environment, the ultimate goal being that fitness service providers would leave with enough information to educate, motivate and create further opportunities for improvement in their respective fields.
"At the last event we had between 600 and 650 delegates and we are now close on a thousand," said Walsh.
"Moving to a bigger venue has certainly given us the platform to accommodate more people and we certainly look to improve on our speakers year-on-year to keep it fresh and to ensure the information is new, credible and scientifically tested.
"One of our goals is for people who attend to walk away inspired."
(Sapa, May 2011)
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