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Aerobics Samoan style, 'Siva Faamalositino', recently became a regular event in front of the Government Building at Eleele Fou. The programme was to promote health and to encourage a good physical state. Also running was a radio advertising campaign, raising awareness in adopting a healthy lifestyle.
The Mondays and Wednesdays late afternoon programmes have attracted many of the urban residents, the majority being elderly, who enjoyed the hour-long sessions. The work out sessions had now extended to Saturdays from 6:00 am to 7:00 am.
The Minister of Health, Mulitalo Schaffhausen, provided the keynote speech at the opening. Also attended was the Hon. Misa Telefoni, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance. Instructors included the popular Samoan Paralympic medal winner Mose. Those who attended were split into two groups, according to their age. The idea was for young people to be aware of how important it is to maintain good health, and for the older generation to maintain their state of health.
Water is supplied during the workouts in promoting the importance of
water intake as part of the programme. Scales were also provided for
people to continually check how they were progressing during the course
of the programme. The newly
developed event with its music pumping in the heart of Apia had
attracted all ages. It had promoted a change in lifestyle habits, to
maintain fitness, and a chance to learn new moves and develop other
techniques for staying fit.
The programme had been hindered at times by the weather, especially the rain but that did not stop the majority of people from participating. Thanks to the catchy tunes and advertisements on air that encouraged many locals to participate. For some, it's a newly discovered hobby.
The
number of people attending 'Siva Faamalositino' had doubled since it
started. It is a fun-filled and enjoyable event for all. The energetic
routine had proven to be popular and easy to follow by the locals.
Whilst designed to entertain, the event's primary purpose was to promote the health of
the Samoan population.
'Siva
Faamalositino' had successfully combined health care and fitness with
entertainment. Considering its success within the community, the programme
would likely to be implemented at the schools.
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