Marathon Challenge

Introduction

GEM has been doing intensive research into the issue of Sports & Youth Development. Internationally a trend that spells grave dangers for communities and nations has emerged, namely “unfit” youth with lifestyles that is leading to high growth rates in obesity as well as lowering rates of performance. The correlation between physical well-being and mental well-being has been proved time and again.

As part of the research GEM has come across some innovative programmes that are positively addressing the issues above with added benefits for youth development through positive value and behavioural changes.

International Programmes

There are many initiatives world wide that involve the youth in sports related programmes to address issues such as obesity, crime, drugs and HIV/AIDS. Two programmes that warrant specific mention are the Mighty Milers Programme of the New York Road Runners Foundation (NYRRF) and the Just Run Programme of the Big Sur International Marathon.

Both these programs basically involves a structured walking or running programme at schools where kids and the schools set targets for themselves. It is not compulsory, and normally consists of three to five 15 minute sessions per week where the kids run 1 to 3 kilometers per session. On achieving certain milestones the participants are awarded with incentives such as medals, certificates, T-shirts, pencil cases, baseball caps etc.

The programme can also be linked to a specific social issues such as HIV/AIDS prevention, crime prevention or drug usage prevention.

The significance of these programs, however, lies in the values and habits it instills in the children. The NYRRF sums these objectives up as follows:

• Teach kids a mindset and methodology to get in shape now and remain in shape throughout their lives;
• Teach kids the link between goal-setting, effort, and achievement;
• Engage kids in a program structure that enhances their self-esteem, self-discipline, perseverance, focus and sportsmanship;
• Utilise program structure to increase kid’s understanding of health, nutrition, and academics by incorporating program experiences as teaching opportunities.

If such a programme can achieve these objectives over the long run it surely spells good things for a community or country.

GEM Marathon Challenge

GEM, after having done much research and after having gained first-hand-experience of the programmes, have decided to launch a similar programme in Ghana on a pilot basis. Detail about this programme will be posted here once it has been clarified. Based on independent research on the benefits as perceived by the school(s) and participants and the availability of funds a decision will be taken on expanding the program. Please visit the site regularly to be updated on progress.

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