Maningrida takes on physical challenge with a difference

Students in Maningrida took on a physical challenge with a difference last week, when the Indigenous Marathon Foundation’s I-CAN team kicked off its eight-week program. 
Led by program manager Amanda Dent, the team put 113 children through a series of health assessments measuring body composition, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, power and coordination, strength endurance and muscular strength. 
It wasn’t just about work though, with the community experiencing it’s first-ever colour run - a 1km dash held on the football oval. 
The novelty event proved to be a great success, with around 50 participants eager to join in the fun.
Indigenous Communities for Activity and Nutrition (I-CAN) encourages school attendance and addresses childhood obesity and inactivity by installing running tracks and fitness equipment in primary schools or in Indigenous community parks. 
The program gives the community ownership of the equipment.
Ms Dent was joined by IMF staff Elsie Seriat and Wade Mongta in testing the children, who are aged between six and 17. 
The trio will return to Maningrida from September 25-28 to complete the assessments, and hold an official opening for the community fitness track.
The track is made up of seven obstacles, which is designed to encourage children to participate in fun, creative play and increase levels of physical activity in the region. 
Health assessments will take place again on 25-28 September, followed by the official track opening and a second colour run.
I-CAN currently operates successful programs in Galiwin’ku, Timber Creek, Canteen Creek Bulla, Ramingining and Mornington Island with plans to expand into Central Australia.  
IMF would like to thank Maningrida College and community members for participating and supporting the event.