Six main Government agencies, and a privately-owned fitness business, are partnering to benefit a group of vulnerable teenagers in Anguilla over an initial three-month period which commenced on Monday, September 12.
Fifteen young people, in the age group 12-15 years, have been targeted for participation in a ‘FIT TEEN’ Programme which was launched by the Ministry of Health and Social Development on Friday, September 9, at the Department of Youth and Culture.
The programme is a partnership involving the Ministry of Health and Social Development, the Departments of Youth and Culture, Sports, and Education, the Chronic Disease Unit, the Health Authority of Anguilla and Mr. Duquaine Brooks, owner and lead instructor, of Results Driven Fitness Centre.
The objectives of the novel programme have been set out in a release from Mrs. Hyacinth Bradley, Community Services Planner in the Ministry of Health and Social Development. According to the release, “FIT TEEN aims to encourage young people to participate in physical activities, while fostering positive behaviours, wellbeing, and to reduce the propensity to health issues, specifically chronic diseases.” Obesity is also one of the concerns of the programme.
Following the intial three months, there will be follow-up initiatives towards achieving the aims of the programme.
Those who were at the launch, and spoke about the usefulness of the programme, included Mrs. Hyacinth Bradley, Community Services Health Planner; Mrs. Twyla Bradshaw-Richardson, Director of the Chronic Disease Unit; Mrs. Dana Ruan, School Nurse; Ms. Joleyne Robin, Senior Programme Officer, Department of Youth and Culture; Mrs. Vernice Battick, of Health and Nutrition Unit; Mr. Delano Mussington of the Sports Department and Mr. Duquaine Brooks of the above-mentioned fitness centre.
