The NSWRL-assisted Knockout Health Challenge, a project that encourages and supports community teams and groups to address diet and exercise routines and make positive lifestyle choices, has been nominated as a finalist in the 2014 NSW Aboriginal Health Awards.
Run in partnership with the NSW Ministry of Health, the Knockout Health Challenge helps individuals and groups manage risk factors for chronic disease and has resulted in a total weight loss of more than 2000 kilograms.
The program, a community-led initiative for Aboriginal people, has been held annually since 2012 and the program’s 2013 evaluation finished a finalist in the health awards’ ‘Building Evidence and Research’ category.
NSWRL Indigenous Rugby League manager Ricky Walford said the program’s nomination highlighted the positive influence it has achieved.
“The Knockout Health Challenge is having a big impact on Indigenous communities and their awareness of health issues,” Walford said.
“Ultimately the program is highlighting the risk factors of chronic disease and helping to address the problems.
“It’s great to get nominated.”
