Musawenkosi Moyo
A Harare-based organisation, Muscle and Sport Nutritional Supplements, is set to host a two-day campaign event in Bulawayo aimed at raising awareness and providing support for individuals and families affected by drug addiction and cancer.
The event, dubbed “Fitness Against Drug Abuse and Cancer Awareness Campaigns,” is scheduled for September 27 to 28 at the Bulawayo City Hall parking lot.
The event will be held in partnership with Childline, Mubatirapangwe Rehabilitation, the Healthy Lifestyle Network, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Bulawayo City Council, and the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board.
Founder of Muscle and Sport Nutritional Supplements and organizer of the event Lycan Clifford White (46) said the campaign aims to raise awareness about drug addiction and cancer, while providing support and resources for individuals and families affected by these issues.
“We aim to create a movement that encourages open conversations and provides guidance on available resources such as law enforcement, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and health lifestyle networks.
“Additionally, we want to support families coping with the trauma of drug addiction and cancer by offering them a network of organizations and individuals who can provide guidance and encouragement throughout their journey,” he said.
He said the campaign will include a variety of activities such as Zumba, karate, boxing, step aerobics, dance, high-impact aerobics, and stretching.
“These activities are designed to replace harmful habits like addiction with beneficial ones like fitness, which fosters a sense of community and contributes positively to society.
“As individuals impacted by drug addiction and cancer witness their bodies changing, they often experience a boost in self-esteem, leading to increased confidence and empowerment,” he said.
“Our biggest challenge in conducting the awareness campaign is securing sponsorship from companies to fund the event,” White stated.
He also noted that the Bulawayo campaign is one of four others that will be hosted in Harare, Mutare, and Victoria Falls.
White further said they are working on expanding the campaigns into a nationwide programme targeting schools across Zimbabwe.
Mimi Dube (29), a fitness trainer at Barberton Gym and Health Care Centre and one of the fitness coaches at the campaign, expressed her excitement and a sense of hope and empowerment regarding both campaigns.
“Our overall goal is to reduce drug abuse rates and increase awareness of the dangers of drug use, which could potentially lead to improved community support systems and enhanced educational efforts,” said Dube.
