WHO Co-Sponsors The ZAAA 2002 Inter-Company Relay Under The Theme "Move For Health"
WHO Co-Sponsors The ZAAA 2002 Inter-Company Relay Under The Theme "Move For Health"
13 April 2002, Lusaka, Zambia-- The World Health Organization (WHO) co-sponsored the 4th Zambia Amateur Athletics Association (ZAAA) 12.8 kilometres Inter-Company Relay (ICR) which took place in the capital city of Lusaka today. WHO contributed to the ZAAA USD $2,500 out of the USD 11,000, which the ZAAA used to organize the event.
The Zambia Amateur Athletics Association adopted the World Health Day theme, "Move for Health" for the 2002 Inter-Company Relay in order to make it one of the commemorative events of the World Health Day which fell on the 7th of April.
The spectacular event attracted a record 71 companies with a total of 85 teams comprising 8 runners each. WHO participated in the event under the umbrella of the United Nations Country Team which sponsored the UN team and another team for the disabled, in addition WHO sponsored 3 teams for women and the youth.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Edward T Maganu, the WHO Representative congratulated the ZAAA for turning the ICR 2002 into a health promoting event and giving many companies and the general public an opportunity to participate in the commemoration of the World Health Day. He also commended the ZAAA for its tireless efforts in the development of athletics in the country, which he said contributes to the health of the athletes while also creating both career and job opportunities. Dr. Maganu stated that the theme "Move for Health" was selected by WHO to draw world attention to the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart diseases and stroke, colon cancer and high blood pressure. He said that these diseases are due in part to the rapid transition in lifestyles, leading to reduced physical activity, changing diets and increased tobacco use. He stated that about 2 million people die each year as a result of physical inactivity. Dr. Maganu ephasised the need for promotion of physical activities as a way of preventing non-communicable diseases and called upon the government, private sector, and communities to educate the public on the benefits of physical activity and to improve policies and programmes that will make physical activity an easy choice.
The President of the ZAAA, Mr. Elias Mpondela thanked all the sponsors and participating companies and individuals including WHO for supporting the development of athletics in the country through their participation in the ICR. He called upon the Government and the private sector to support the development of athletics as a way of promoting health and extended his invitation for stronger partnership with the ZAAA in the development of key programmes such as the Talent Identification Programme.
Meanwhile, WHO also sponsored the national commemoration of the World Health Day in the capital of Lusaka on the 7th of April 2002. The event brought together various organizations which participated in sports competitions including soccer, netball, tug-of-war, earobics, traditional games etc. The Mayor of the City of Lusaka Mr. John Kabungo, who was the Guest of Honour was flanked by officials from the Ministries of Health, Education and Youth, Sports and Child Development articulated the Move for Health theme and reiterated the need for action at individual, company, community and Government levels in order to promote physical activity and prevent diseases and conditions associated with physical inactivity.
The ICR is an annual event, the main sponsor in 2002 was Phonix Contractors, with WHO, BP Zambia, The Zambia State Insurance Corporation and The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation as co-sponsors.
For more information Contact:
Health Information and Promotion Officer
Nora Mweemba
WHO Lusaka - Zambia
Tel: 00-260-1-255398/255039 Fax: 00-260-1-252863
E-mail nmweemba [at] who.org.zm (nmweemba[at]who[dot]org[dot]zm) Who [at] registry.org.zm (Who[at]registry[dot]org[dot]zm)