The Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa will once again host The Big Walk on Sunday, 2 October 2016.

Deriving its mandate from the National Sport and Recreation Act of 1998 ( Act No.110 of 1998)  as amended, Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) has identified walking activities as priority for its Recreation Programmes in support of the strategic goals of: Recreation used as a tool to support relevant governmental and global priorities and citizen’s access to sport and recreation activities.

The Big Walk project is conceived as a result of the increase obesity and high incidence of LIFE STYLE DISEASES. The reason for the Big Walk being in October is that October month is World Walking month. The organization that encourages and lobby for the walking month is TAFISA (The Association for International Sport for All). SRSA is an affiliate member of TAFISA.

Walking events have long been regularly organized around the world. One of its principal aims is to encourage an increase number of people to take up the habit of walking, and to begin to engage in walking as a conscious choice in their leisure-time activities.

This is where walking in family groups becomes vital in this modern world, as it gives valuable bonding time that helps keep families together. SRSA firmly believes that “The family that plays together stays together”.

This annual event has been taking place since 2012 and has grown from 3 800 participants to beyond 15 000 this year. Other government departments: Chief Justice Office, Department of Public Works, Trade and Industry, to name but a few, will also be taking part in The Big Walk in order to create active civil servants.

Details of the walk are:
Venue:  Fountains Valley Resort
Date:     Sunday, 2 October 2016
Time:    07:00
Distances: 5, 10 and 15 km

Your responses can be directed to Ms. Sandra Botha on 082 451 3210 or
sandra@srsa.gov.za

Media Enquiries: Mr Mickey Modisane Chief Director:  Marketing & Communications
Cell:  082 992 0101 e-mail: moagi.modisane@gmail.com

Esethu Hasane Media and Liaison Officer - Ministry Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa
Cell: 071 259 2422