Altus Sport, a non-governmental organisation based in Tshwane, was recently elected by the sport for social change network (SSCN) to implement a new initiative in the townships of Pretoria, called Designed to Move.
The main objective of Design to Move is to enhance sport and physical activity among school children in selected areas in South Africa.
Coaches from Altus Sport were trained in sport, health and physical activities and life skill values for children of mixed gender between 10 and 12 years.
Design to Move was initiated and funded by the German international cooperation and Nike global, who have planned to pilot the programme in Brazil and South Africa from January to June.
Tshwane, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth were identified as cities where the project should kick-off. Gert Potgieter, director of Altus Sport and former hurdles world record holder and fitness expert, welcomed this initiative, saying the levels of physical passiveness and obesity among the youth were alarming.
“The project will kick-off in Mamelodi. The fitness level of 120 children in the programme will be tested initially and compared five months later to check their progress. We want to attract our youngsters to the sport fields and help improve our nation’s health while also producing quality athletes for South African sports confederation and Olympic committee,” said Potgieter.
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