“Connect, have fun, and get fit at the same time.” That’s the mantra the Bothasig Ratepayers’ Association is using to promote a walking programme for residents to meet and exercise outdoors.
The 3km walks usually take place on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 6pm, and they start and end at Bosmansdam High School.
Mario Borcherds, the association’s vice chairman, started the BRA Social Walk initiative with the idea of getting seniors together for some exercise, but soon many others started joining in.
The first walk on Monday March 13 had 25 participants, and there are now more than 40 of all ages and fitness levels.
Mr Borcherds said anyone could take part, not just Bothasig residents, and they could bring their dogs.
“We have walkers from Edgemead and Richwood joining in on the fun,” he said.
More walking routes and extra days would be added as the group continued to grow, he said.
“The purpose of the BRA Social Walk is to improve the health and well-being of the community and also to enhance social cohesion. It is amazing just to walk together as a community. Furthermore, many walkers say that they feel much safer during the Social Walk,” he said.
Cesar de Oliveira, 86, has been at most of the walks, and he said walking and running helped to keep him free of aches and pains.
“Keeping fit is important, and I have always been fit from a young age.”
Call Mario Borcherds at 061 406 3732 for more information.
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