A movement of positive change to Indigenous Health, led by former NRL prop George Rose, has concluded the opening stage of the NSW Knockout Health Challenge.
The George Rose Challenge kicked off the 2016 program, which last year saw more than 2,700 kilograms lost by Indigenous teams competing across the state. This year, more than 800 participants from 32 teams took part in the first of four challenges held throughout the year. It included two all-women's teams and ranged from as far north as Lismore and as far west as Menindee.
Rose, a proud Kamilaroi man and popular Roosters, Sea Eagles, Storm and Dragons forward, was pleased to be one of the faces of the program and can already see improvements in Indigenous lifestyles.
"To have a challenge named after me is very humbling," Rose told NSWRL.com.au. "I’m a proud Indigenous man and proud ambassador of the fifth NSW Knockout Health Challenge.
"The main objective is to lose weight in the fight against obesity, but also it’s important we all have a lot of fun and build friendships along the way."
The 10-week challenge tested the mental and physical capabilities of participants and while the final tally of weight lost is yet to be calculated, the rewards were clear to see. The winning team is set to be announced at half-time of the Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sharks NRL game on Monday, 18 July at Allianz Stadium.
