The day was a showcase for what can be achieved when communities collaborate.  Live the Future facilitators, Veni Naidu and Quinton Adams, joined forces with provincial and local Departments of Health, the local clinics, four different schools from the area, the South African Police Force, Disaster Management, 18 cultural groups, 17 soccer teams, and over 40 trained volunteers. The day was judged to be an outstanding success by all participants and partnering organisations. Some of the achievements are summarised below:

• An estimated 2,000 people received direct HIV prevention messages
• 209 people tested for HIV
• 24,000 male condoms and 300 female condoms were distributed
• Over 140 children and adults participated in soccer games (including 4 female teams)
• Around 150 people from different community arts and cultural groups provided entertainment
• 36 woman participated in the ‘Walk a Mile’ event promoting exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle
• A Norwegian donor sponsored outfits for the junior soccer teams
• 7 income-generation vendors were invited to provide food and drinks throughout the day
  

Below: an enthusiastic young dance troupes with one of the 17 participating soccer teams

The benefits of the Wellness day continue. The Mayor is now included in plans to improve the local soccer fields and transform the area into a recreational park. Plans are also afoot to network with Norwegian soccer teams who may be able to provide ongoing support for the Wesbank soccer teams. Days such as these help to empower communities and promote wellness on many levels.