Global Diabetes Day Walk

Friday 14 November is World Diabetes Day – an international day which engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness.

Did you know that diabetes, commonly referred to as the silent killer, is responsible for more deaths worldwide each year than HIV/Aids and Breast Cancer? More than 50% of people living with diabetes are not aware that they have it.

In South Africa more awareness about diabetes is desperately needed and to this end the Port Elizabeth branch of Diabetes South Africa will be hosting the Port Elizabeth leg of the Global Diabetes Walk, sponsored by Refreshhh and hosted by the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday 29th November starting at 8.30am.

The first Global Diabetes Walk was established by the World Diabetes Foundation some eight years ago and today it has grown to over 518,000 people participating in 61 countries, collectively focusing attention on diabetes as an important public health concern.

This fun walk serves as an awareness and fundraising initiative, open to individuals of all ages, young and old, friends, family, colleagues who come along and show their support in the fight against Diabetes.

The 5km untimed walk starts at 8.30am on Saturday 29th from within the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, access to registration will be through the gates on Lakeside only. Pets, on leashes, are welcome. Entries are available online at www.zsports.co.za/GlobalWalk at just R40 per adult and R5 per pet with kids 10 years and under at no charge. Manual entries at R45 are available at Brian Band Sports (Newton Park), News Cafe (Boardwalk) and the Zports office (North End Lake). First 500 participants to register will receive a t-shirt and goody bag with blood glucose testing available free of charge on the morning.

All proceeds of the event are going to the Port Elizabeth branch of Diabetes SA to help create awareness, educate and assist people to control this condition.