Employers Embrace the Challenge Surf to City 2009

Tuesday 13 January 2009

Southland Employers Embrace the Challenge Surf to City 2009

Seven Southland employers have taken up the challenge to be the largest team at this year’s Surf to City event to support their staff members in embracing the Healthy Eating Healthy Action (HEHA) message.

Paula Hedges, HEHA Manager for Southland District Health Board (SDHB) said SDHB had this year challenged New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Limited (NZAS), ACC, SBS, Environment Southland, Invercargill City Council (ICC) and WHK Cook Adam Ward Wilson to encourage strong staff participation in the Community Trust of Southland Surf to City following on from the success of the 2008 challenge.

“Last year the Smelter issued the challenge to SDHB to get as many staff as possible out there getting active. The turnout was fantastic with SDHB breaking its staff participation record (with a team of over 200 people) and NZAS winning the challenge in its first year of entering a team,” she said.

“This year we are eager to even the score and have extended the challenge to five other employers to help get their staff involved in regular physical activity. We are delighted they have accepted and everyone is looking forward to getting as many staff out walking, running or cycling in the event.”

Ms Hedges said the Surf to City was an ideal event for people of all levels of fitness and ability.

“Whether you run regularly, or want to enjoy a good walk or bike ride it’s all about getting out there, giving it a go and enjoying yourself.”

As the number of staff employed at each of the organisations varies dramatically, with approximately 150 staff at WHK Cook Adam Ward Wilson in Southland to 800 and 1400 respectively at NZAS and SDHB, the largest team will be measured by the final percentage of staff participating between SBS, ICC, WHK Cook Adam Ward Wilson and ACC with an additional side battle between SDHB and NZAS.

“This is an exciting challenge and we are looking forward to seeing all the teams at the Surf to City on Sunday, 15 February,” Ms Hedges said.

For more information contact SDHB Communications Officer Jo Harvey on 03 2147243.

ENDS

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