Annual NSC Challenge Day …
THE National Sports Commission (NSC) hosted its 3rd annual Challenge Day for youths with the thrust of promoting health wellness in Guyana’s varied sporting disciplines.

The Guyana National Stadium came alive yesterday when students from various schools in Demerara witnessed demonstrations in 14 sporting areas including chess weightlifting, boxing and karate (judo).

Keep Fit! PM Samuel Hinds (centre), Minister Frank Anthony and Director of Sport Neil Kumar perform their routine with students at the World Challenge Day 2009 at the Guyana National Stadium yesterday.

Teachers and students alike also had the opportunity to hear Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony speak on the importance of maintaining good health and the role of sports in one’s life. Minister Anthony noted the frightening phenomenon of obesity, not only in Guyana but around the world, and how it is affecting our citizens’ health. He stated that it is important for healthy practices to be inculcated into our youths.

Physical Display! Students of the National School of Dance perform their acrobatic piece in front of an appreciative crowd yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium. (Sonell Nelson photos)

The minister also stressed that there is need for behavourial changes especially since many underestimate the importance of a healthy body and mind.

He implored the gathering to not focus on being healthy for one day but ensure it becomes an everyday practice.

Minister Anthony encouraged all present to make sports a part of their lives and to become “physically active”. He preempted by stating that he hopes the demonstrations of the various sporting areas inspire persons to take better care of their bodies because there are physical and mental benefits to be derived from sports.

PM Hinds in his remarks reminisced about his youth and how sport played an integral role in his all-round development. He assured persons there that physical exercises or sports bring joy to one’s life and help to relieve stress.

He reiterated that physical activities prepare persons for lifelong health and wellness especially as one gets older.

After the formalities to usher in the day’s activities, Prime Minister Hinds, Minister Anthony, Director of Sport Neil Kumar and the students were involved in a 10-minute workout session conducted by Ms Lavern Fraser-Thomas.

Subsequently, the students of the Guyana Karate Association performed Kata, sparring techniques and other forms of self-defence if an attacker uses a knife. Students of the National School of Dance impressed spectators with their physical alacrity when they displayed their fitness and flexibility.

World Challenge Day is an international event in which persons are asked to “break their daily routine and practise any kind of physical activity for at least 15 minutes”.