Nutrition was the focus of a one-day healthcare programme at Aufaga last week. 

The Healthy Communities initiative was organised by the Special Olympics Samoa in collaboration with National Kidney Foundation, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (M.A.F.) and Projects Abroad.

Athletes, parents and guardians were the main target groups for the programme. 

Programme coordinator, Riari Tabata of Special Olympics Samoa said: “This organisation provides sports events and leadership programs for people with intellectual disability. My main role is to assist in the care of our athlete’s overall health. 

“In this role our aim is to provide opportunities for our athletes in all disciplines of healthcare where needed. Through the Golisano Foundation, Special Olympics Samoa is among 130 countries that aim to conduct health services and information to athletes and their families.”

Projects Abroad officials shared helpful tips to parents followed by M.A.F. providing valuable gardening and agricultural information as well as plants and seedlings. 

“This is an important event for us in the village to know how to take care our health by ourselves,” a participant said. 

Another participant added: “I hope they come back here every year and we should invite more participants because this is an important event because for athletes, good balanced food is very important to ensure healthy bodies.”

The event was a huge success with the National Kidney Foundation providing a spectrum of health checks for participants including, urine analysis, blood tests and blood pressure, height and weight checks. 

A father present at the event commented: “Aufaga is a small village and so far from the capital, it is an amazing opportunity to get this kind of service near my house.”

“Today, we depend on import or processed foods. It is convenient, cheap, and easy to get, but it is unhealthy. This event shows we should start thinking about our health and take action,” Riari said.  

Special Olympics Samoa hopes to carry out this event on an annual basis and in different communities in Samoa.