NSW Rugby League and NSW Health are calling on participants from Aboriginal communities across the state to team up for the 2017 NSW Aboriginal Knockout Challenge and register before 10 March.
Blues Coach and Knockout Challenge Ambassador Laurie Daley said the annual weight loss challenge had helped thousands of people change their attitudes towards exercise and diet and lead healthier lifestyles.
“This is Knockout’s sixth year and we’re keen to bring new participants on board to experience this rewarding challenge that can change your life forever, for the better,” Mr Daley said.
“We saw fantastic results in 2016, with around 1200 people from 35 teams participating and losing an average of 2.3kg through exercise and diet routines.
“Teams of up to 30 members face the challenges together, supporting each other to stay on track and push through the hard yards to meet their goals.”
The NSW Aboriginal Knockout Challenge is a joint initiative of NSW Health and NSW Rugby League, which aims to address obesity and help close the health and life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people across the state. It includes two 10-week challenges which are named after the Knockout’s Rugby League Ambassadors: The George Rose Challenge and Julie Young Challenge.
NSW Health’s Executive Director Centre for Population Health, Dr Jo Mitchell, said it was important to maintain a healthy weight as the risk of developing chronic disease increased as people put on weight.
“People living with obesity are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and associated diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and reproductive problems,” Dr Mitchell said.
“Poor diet and physical inactivity also contribute to coronary heart disease.
“The Knockout Challenge provides a fun opportunity to lose weight and improve your lifestyle and general wellbeing, to help combat obesity and other chronic diseases.
“Teams in previous challenges have achieved amazing results they can be proud of and we hope even more participants will join the 2017 Knockout Challenge and achieve even better health outcomes.”
Teams can visit NSW Knockout Challenge for more information on registration.