There is an explosion of diabetes worldwide and developing countries like South Africa are the worst hit. Research shows that approximately 4-6 million people in SA have diabetes and that most of these people are unaware that they have the condition. Most concerning is that the World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that these numbers could triple in the next 15 years in South Africa.
Diabetes SA, a registered national non-profit organisation and a member of the International Diabetes Federation (that represents 147 diabetes organisations in 121 countries), will be hosting their annual Port Elizabeth leg of the Global Diabetes Walk on Saturday 19th November at 9am from the EP Powerboat Club on North End Lake.
This 4.2km fun walk is used to raise funds for the global fight against Diabetes with all proceeds from the local Global Diabetes Walk going towards the Nelson Mandela Bay branch of Diabetes SA to help inform, educate, empower and encourage people with diabetes and their families in their communities so they may take control of their condition.
Entry fee for the walk is just R30 for adults, R20 for children under 12 years. A Family package for 2 adults and 2 kids under the age of 12 is also available at R80. Pets on a leash are welcome, entry fee is just R5 per pet. The first 500 pre-registered participants will be very spoilt this year with each receiving a substantial goodie bag plus a complimentary breakfast from Bokomo with all finishers receiving an Aquellé refreshment.
“We encourage all participants to wear blue on the morning in support of this awareness event which highlights the global fight against Diabetes. Through education and awareness, we can help combat diabetes in South Africa.” said event organiser Mike Zoetmulder of Zports. “Free diabetes and blood pressure screening is being made available on the morning of the event in the EP Powerboat clubhouse and we’d encourage all participants to take advantage of this opportunity”.
Entry forms are available from all leading sports shops and selected pharmacies. Online entries (till 12 Nov) on www.diabetessa.co.za or can be downloaded from the Zports website www.zports.co.za. Late Entries will be accepted on the morning at an additional fee of R5. Contact Zports on 041 484 7860 for further information.
