Blessing burns them

BLESSING WALDROPT, a form four student of North Eastern College, Sangre Grande, emerged winner of the Eastern Regional Health Authority's (ERHA) 18th annual secondary schools aerobics competition at the school on Wednesday.

While he may not have had much rhythm, he definitely had the stamina to burn out his competitors from 13 other schools. There were 140 competitors at the start of the competition which lasted about 90 minutes. Waldropt said his classmates cheering him on encouraged him to test his endurance.

The exercise was part of the Health Ministry's initiative TT Moves to encourage people to eat healthy and exercise to cut down on non-communicable diseases. The programme was launched in December 2018. Sweating and panting, Waldropt was carried on the shoulders of his classmates – each one accepting his victory as their own.

Asked about his win, Waldropt said: "I feeling real good because I beat everybody. It was real tough, but my schoolmates supported me and pushed me through."

There were some students who dropped out voluntarily, while others were tagged. But one had to give credit to the enthusiasm and energy of the students and some teachers.

On Monday, the North West RHA held its own session at the Queen's Park Savannah.

Peter Jeffery, education officer at the ERHA, said the authority was trying to promote more water consumption, increasing the intake of vegetables and encouraging physical activity.

"We want the children to use these activities to bring these components together. We want them to have fun while they improve their lifestyle.

Some of the schools which participated included Mayaro Secondary, Biche High School, Guayaguayare Secondary, Rio Claro East Secondary , Sangre Grande Secondary, Matura Secondary, and Coryal Secondary.

Jeffery, however, was concerned that not just the youth, but people in general were not eating properly or exercising enough.

"I think that is largely due to the culture of TT. When we look at the food we have on our plates for Sunday lunch it is macaroni pie, fried rice, chicken, potato salad. And when all of that is piled up, there is no space for the salad, if we eat it at all. This is the most important part. Half of the plate is supposed to be vegetables, quarter is supposed to be carbohydrates, and the other quarter protein which can be meat or peas or beans.

"That is our culture, that is the way we eat and we are in the process of trying to change that. We are going into the schools and educating the students about healthy eating. We are teaching them the benefits of exercise and how it can help in the long run. What you eat today will affect you tomorrow."

Jeffery said the ERHA had nutritionists who visited schools, educating children about healthy eating.

The first, second and third place winners of the competition each received a bicycle and each participant received a medal.