Rodney Henriette proudly gives back to La Digue community |26 August 2023
Owner of Motivation Gym based on La Digue, bodybuilder Rodney Henriette will be launching a fitness programme on Monday August 28 for obese kids.
The fitness programme is free of charge and targets 30 primary pupils aged eight to 10 years old who are obese. Parents are welcome to participate with their children.
Speaking to Sports NATION, owner and founder of Motivation Gym Henriette said from what he has observed and from a research conducted on the island, he has come to a conclusion that obesity is affecting the younger generation.
In addition, Henriette stated that one of the factors for the high rate of obesity in children is a lack of physical activities for kids. When the kids arrive home from school, most of them just seat in front of the television and eat junk food.
“Upon seeing this I came up with an idea to offer my service to the kids to give them an opportunity to battle against obesity,” said bodybuilder Henriette. He added that on La Digue children do not have much to do and despite that fact that they ride bicycles, it is not for exercise but rather as a mode of transportation.
Yesterday, Henriette was to meet with parents of children who have filled in forms to follow the programme.
During the meeting, parents learned that not only exercise helps to reduce weight. He explained that what someone eats has a major impact on his/her body, therefore parents have an important role to play by looking after their children’s diet.
Henriette has said the physical workout will take place on the court and in the gym where they will do cardio, treadmill, indoor cycling and medicine ball.
He mentioned that the timing of the programme is good as the children are on holidays. “Our programme will not only take place during the school holidays. We hope to continue with our fitness classes during the school term,” said Henriette.
The owner of Motivation Gym has used the opportunity to urge other businesses to partner with him as sponsors. “I encourage other businessmen to support the programme by sponsoring water and juice for the kids,” said Henriette.
A member of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles, Henriette said he wanted to give back to the community.
“In sport there a two factors – athletics and weight training – and my goal in the long run is to help develop sports on La Digue,” concluded Henriette.
Neil Sirame
