The newly established foundation is dedicated to promote and provide an avenue for people to be physically active, learn skills, knowledge and understand the necesity to move effectively, enhance health and wellbeing, and to be physically active throughout their lifespan.
According to officials of the foundation, they want to shift their focus from fitness to physical activity and provide opportunities for people to make a progressive transition from sedentary to physically active lifestyles.
Speaking during the congress, Momodou Gassama, health promotion specialist at WHO, hailed members for setting up such an important foundation. He added that WHO likes partnering with such foundations to help promote the highest level of health.
He added that an estimate of 57 million people died globally as a result of all causes, adding that out of these 41 million are as a result of non-communicable diseases.
“The bulk of our problem now is non-communicable diseases. We are sitting on a time bomb. Our main focus across the globe now is on non-communicable diseases.”
He said physical activity helps to reduce cancer, diabetes, stroke and other forms of non-communicable diseases, adding that WHO recommended at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.
According to WHO, 830, 000 people die every year as a result of being physically inactive.
“Nearly 23% of the adult population in the world today are physically inactive. These are people with 18 years and above,” he also said.
Mr. Gassama pointed out that the foundation could awaken government and policymakers to make health a top priority in their meetings.
Sheriffo Sanyang, secretary general of the Foundation, said they will do whatever it takes to complement government’s efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles.
Kaddijatou Fatty-Ceesay, NaNA programme officer, said being physically active can improve brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of diseases, strengthen bones and muscles and improve one's ability to do everyday activities.
Yero S. Sowe, the foundation’s chairperson-elect, said he was committed to leading the foundation with vision, integrity and courage. He vowed to protect and polish the foundation’s objectives and work towards achieving their target.
He called on all young and progressive-minded individuals across the country to put all hands on deck for a healthier nation.
Meanwhile, the foundation elected a nine-member committee to steer its affairs.
The members are: Yero S. Sowe – Chairperson; Fatou Jallow – 1st Vice Chairperson; Demba Kandeh – 2nd Vice chairperson; Sheriffo Sanyang – Secretary General; Sukai Jarjusey – Assistant Secretary General; Yankuba Jatta – Treasurer; Edmond Jatta – Auditor; Public Relations Officer – Lamin Fadera and Sheriff Sama – social Secretary.
