Louis Jadwong
23 November 2008
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Kampala — MANY Kampala city residents must be feeling fitter today. Others are understandably struggling to shake off muscle aches.
And both polar reactions are thanks to telecommunications giants MTN. With their mobile phone, MTN have led the way in changing many people's lifestyle; with people today able to engage in various activities and communicate without much physically activity.
Consequently, many are burning less and less calories and becoming victims of the assorted ailments of modern living.
MTN deserve kudos then for also leading the way in helping fund an event that could play a huge part in bringing many Kampalans back in shape. The MTN Kampala Marathon yesterday attracted over 10,000 runners, the majority of whom were running to keep themselves in shape.
The benefit of physical activity and regular exercise is a healthier body and mind. The challenge for MTN, in their social responsibility crusade, is to ensure that the 'preparation' message gets to the participants.
It's a message that was lost on up to 400 runners who yesterday found out that, much as their spirits were willing, their bodies couldn't. Many had not trained well or, attracted by the huge cash prizes on offer, tried to compete with the super fit elite runners. Up to 400 ended up in the Red Cross tents, after hasty, unscheduled rides in the back of the vigilant ambulances at hand.
It's clear the MTN marathon will put its mark on Uganda's health history but only if if it also helps inject a culture of regular training and jogging for Kampalans.
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