Statistics from South Africa suggest that there is an increased prevalence of inactivity or sedentary living in South African children and youth. Our youth are at an increased risk of being inactive due to a number of factors, including a lack of safe playing areas and sporting facilities, a lack of opportunities available to be active, the increased use of technology-based entertainment and insufficient physical activity during the school day. Since attitudes to life-long physical activity and health are determined in part by both the maternal attitude to activity and exercise in the home environment, as well as the learners’ experiences of participation in physical activity, sport and play at school, it is clear that there is a need for a nationwide intervention in an attempt to curb this exponential rise in sedentary behaviour.
Research suggests that school and community programmes that promote regular participation in physical activity and optimal nutritional choices in children and youth could be amongst the most effective strategies for reducing the public health burden of chronic diseases associated with sedentary lifestyles. Programmes that provide children and youth with the knowledge, attitudes, motor skills, behavioural skills and confidence to participate in physical activity may establish a lifelong commitment to an active lifestyle.
Facilitated by Professor Tim Noakes’ department at the University of Cape Town, the Youth Fitness and Wellness Charter initiative has received input from over 200 individuals, representing National (Departments of Health, Education and Sport and Recreation), Local and Provincial government, non-government and non-profit organisations, parents, care-givers, faith-based organisations, educational organisations, sporting organisations, clubs, schools, the private sector, the media and other key role players. The initiative has gained the support of Professor Kader Asmal, who has become the official patron of the Charter.
The Charter has been developed by an editing team on behalf of all South Africans. In an attempt to ensure that the Charter is indeed representative to ALL South Africans, we would like to receive feedback from you, the public.
Click here to view the full charter
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