Young soccer players, community leaders and parents came together for the Kick Big Soda Out of Sport (KBSO) Community Activation, a community-driven event that promoted healthy lifestyles, youth development and awareness of the impact of sugary drinks on their health.
The activation forms part of the broader Kick Big Soda Out of Sport campaign, which seeks to protect children and young people from the harmful influence of the sugary drinks industry in sport while encouraging healthier choices both on and off the field.
Hosted by Community Media Trust, the activation brought together four community-based under-16 football clubs from across Cape Town, creating an opportunity for young players to showcase their talent while promoting positive health messages through sport.
The event featured an U-16 soccer tournament bringing together local soccer clubs and aspiring young athletes in a fun, competitive and family-friendly environment. “Investing in the health and well-being of our youth remains one of the most sustainable commitments we can make toward securing the future of our country”, said the event’s MC, Siyabulela Sophi, Entrepreneur and Development Activist. In addition to the matches, participants and spectators engaged with educational fun activities creating awareness on the health harms caused by sugary drinks. In one of the activities, the participants picked up sugary drinks from point A to point B, where they threw them into dust bins.
South Africa continues to face rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, particularly among children and young people. Excessive consumption of sugary drinks is a major contributor to these health challenges.
The event aimed to encourage conversations about creating healthier sporting environments for children and young people while highlighting the importance of balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and informed lifestyle choices.
“I enjoyed every moment and learnt how soda ads target young athletes. It’s time we protect our teams and not promote sugary drinks. I am so inspired and informed on why soda has no place in sport. Our kids deserve better role models than sugar”, said long distance runner and community development practitioner, Ludumo Marali, who also attended the event.
The tournament also provided a platform for community engagement and dialogue around creating healthier sporting environments for children. Coaches, parents and community members had the opportunity to learn more about the campaign’s efforts to reduce the influence of sugary drinks marketing in sport and support policies that protect public health. “We are honoured to participate in the ‘Kick Big Soda Out of Sport’ campaign and we strongly advocate for athletes to abstain from soda and energy drinks. As many are aware our area, Philippi East, is characterised by high crime rates, our mission is to divert youth from illicit activities through athletic engagement”, said Soul Brother’s coach, Brian Martin Matiwane.
The event was attended by local football clubs, supporters and community members from Khayelitsha, Philippi East, Hanover Park and Landsdowne who share a commitment to building healthier futures for South Africa’s youth.
About Kick Big Soda
Kick Big Soda Out of Sport is a campaign advocating for healthier sporting environments by reducing the influence of sugary drink companies in sport. The campaign supports efforts to protect children and young people from harmful marketing practices while promoting health, wellbeing, and active lifestyles.
For more information about the campaign, visit: [https://www.kickbigsodaout.org/]