21 September 2006

Eastern Bay encouraged to become part of a push play nation

More than 25 events are being held to encourage Eastern Bay of Plenty communities to get up and get active during the month of October.

“In the past the focus has been on Push Play Day,” says Eastern Bay Push Play coordinator Tui Edwards. “We know it takes between 21 and 30 days to develop a habit – so this year we are celebrating physical activity for a whole month to encourage people to make it a regular part of their lifestyle.”

Events are being held from 29 September until 4 November (official Push Play Day) in Whakatane, Taneatua, Opotiki, Te Kaha and Kawerau. Activities include “Give it a Go” events such as waka ama, taiohi (performing arts) kickboxing, rugby, netball, line dancing as well as fun days for families and a wide range of walks including a walking school bus. Toddles and babies in strollers can enjoy a morning stroll with Stroller Stride, Thursday 5 October in Whakatane and Sunny Gymz is offering $2 gym classes (pump, gentle exercise) several times a week for the entire month.

Historical hikoi are being held in Whakatane, Opotiki, Te Kaha and Kawerau to give people a chance to learn more about the history and significance of key sights in their local township, from entertaining and knowledgeable kaumatua (elder).

Tui Edwards says there has been a lot of support for the hikoi from Maori providers, including Te Runanga o Te Whanau down Te Kaha, Te Hao o Te Whanau (Opotiki), Ngati Awa Social & Health Services, Te Puna Ora O Mataatua, Te Kaokao o Takapau and Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau, which is really great.

“Last year’s hikoi were so popular we decided to hold more this year!” says Tui Edwards. “Holding them at lunchtime means they are more accessible. An extended invitation is there for anyone to come along and enjoy the walk and korero.”

Sport Bay of Plenty’s John Voyle says seeing so many stakeholders in the Eastern Bay come together and develop a programme to enhance Push Play Nation is great news for the “Active Eastern Bay” programme.

“Often many stakeholders with similar objectives toil with difficulty in getting enthusiasm for physical activity so hopefully with everyone focused for the month the response will ensure some real steps towards lifestyle change,” he says. “This programme sits well with Walk2 Health - now in its second year.”

Why you should Push Play

Push Play is a nationwide SPARC campaign to get more New Zealanders more active more often - all it takes is 30 minutes a day. Push Play is based on the fact that even small amounts of activity are good for your health.

“A 10% increase in the number of physically active adults would save around 300 lives each year - and five times this number could be saved if every adult was sufficiently active” - Dr Dave Gerrard, Associate Professor, University of Otago Medical School

“Just 30 minutes of physical activity taken regularly will benefit the health of everyone” - US Surgeon General, 1996

Get active with a celebrity!

You can now sign up at www.sparc.co.nz for an activity programme with:

- Maggie Barry

- Robbie Magasiva

- Tawera Nikau

- Mike Chunn, or

- Petra Bagust.

By choosing the celebrity and programme level that suits you, you’ll receive weekly emails to encourage you to stay motivated and moving! Other activity programmes are available too, so there should be something to suit everyone - no matter what your age, interests, fitness level or lifestyle.

Be in to win! When you sign up you'll go in the draw to win one of 10 Avanti bikes and helmets, 100 Canterbury sports bags and lots of Sanitarium products.

ENDS

See... Eastern Bay Push Play Calendar of Activities (PDF)

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