A statewide health challenge for Aboriginal communities kicked off at NSW Rugby League Central today as teams from across NSW prepared to take action to fight obesity and improve Indigenous health outcomes.
NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has teamed up with League legends and ambassadors for this annual event – George Rose, Kyle Saunders, Julie Young and Ronnie Gibbs – to launch the 2015 Aboriginal Knockout Health Challenge.
Daley applauded the participants gearing up for the Challenge for making a commitment to themselves and their teams to lose weight and improve their health.
“This is a team effort that not only results in better health for each participant but raises community awareness of the benefits of physical exercise and nutrition to combat obesity and life threatening diseases,” Mr Daley said.
“Just like Rugby League this is about striving to do your best and achieve results that benefit your whole team and your community.”
The annual Challenge is a joint initiative of NSW Health and NSW Rugby League. Teams of at least 20 participants can enter the George Rose, Julie Young and Ronnie Gibbs Challenges, setting their own exercise program targets and milestones with the aim of reducing their average team weight loss. The Kyle Saunders Challenge is also open to teams to design a three minute workout video that demonstrates teamwork, strength, stamina and rugby league skills.
Knockout Challenge participants can receive support from a free confidential health coaching telephone service, the Get Healthy Service, which helps people to set goals, maintain motivation, and receive further information and advice on physical activity, healthy eating and healthy weight.
Anyone can join the Get Healthy Service by calling 1300 806 258 or visiting www.gethealthynsw.com.au to register online. For more information on the Aboriginal Knockout Health Challenge go to: www.facebook.com/nswknockoutchallenge
[PHOTO: Country Rugby League]
