According to the Minister, “there are several lifestyle illnesses that can be avoided or managed more effectively if more Jamaicans participated in sports.  This is one of the reasons we are putting so much emphasis on sports at the grassroots level.”

The Minister says the government is spending significant sums on the development of fields, courts and tracks in schools and communities across the country.  “This year alone, my Ministry — through the SDF — will be spending more than J$300 million on infrastructure development,” said Minister Grange.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica ‘Run for your Heart’ event yesterday (Wednesday) at Emancipation Park.

“We support every attempt by entities such as the Heart Foundation of Jamaica to promote awareness about the importance of physical activity and fitness and how to reduce the risk of certain lifestyle diseases.”

The ‘Run for Your Heart’ event is geared towards highlighting the value of exercise as an important part of a healthy lifestyle and will raise funds for health education and health promotion programme in schools. The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 27, 2016 from 7am to 11am at the National Stadium – East Field.

Minister Grange urged all Jamaicans to get active for their health’s sake.

-END-