Accra, Dec 5, GNA - The Planning Committee for the Africa Sport Day Celebration will on Saturday, December 10, organise a health walk to mark the day, which is aimed at using sports and physical education to promote social and gender equality and strengthen cooperation and partnership.

The exercise, which will commence at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra through some principal streets of the city and re-converge at the starting point will include, over 1000 individuals from schools, the Traders' Associations, Ministries, Departments, Agencies and interested organisations.

Preceding the walk is a health talk on hypertension and diabetes scheduled for Friday, December 9, at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium. Briefing the press on the programme, Mr Jonathan Kwashie Aduakwa, Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee said the programme forms part of activities marking the International year for Sports and Physical Education and to make sport and physical education available to every one.

He said the Ministry of Education and Sports in response to this has expanded its framework to include sports and development and peace and has "Sport for Life" as its slogan. Mr Aduakwa said Ghana's 'Sports for Life' initiative is to create avenues for all, irrespective of age, sex, physical ability or vocation to engage in one form of physical activity. "It is also to ensure that root causes of the issues that challenge development are addressed.

He said some of the strategies adopted to achieve this policy objective are to encourage the organisation of conferences and seminars on sports and physical education related issues, formation of community fitness clubs, promote participation of women and people with disabilities in sport as well as ensure the availability and affordability of sport equipment.