More than 1,000 people took part in the government’s 12-week Move It Cayman national fitness campaign aimed at encouraging healthier and more active lifestyles.
The campaign forms part of the wider STEP into Wellness programme, a government health initiative launched in response to findings from the 2023 National Health Survey.
It focused on four areas – movement, nourishment, mindfulness and knowledge – to encourage healthier lifestyle choices and help reduce non-communicable diseases.
The initiative was organised by the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage.
In a press release on 14 July, health minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks said the campaign had shown the value of a collaborative approach to improving public health.
“The success of Move It Cayman demonstrates what is possible when we all come together around a shared goal of better health,” she said in a press release.
“I want to thank every participant, our partners and sponsors who made this campaign a success.”
During the campaign, residents signed up to the TeamFit app, which encouraged them to increase their physical activity through team-based challenges and competitions.
Chief nursing officer Felicia McLean said regular exercise remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of chronic disease.
“Move It Cayman has helped remind us that incorporating movement into our daily routines does not require extraordinary effort, just commitment,” McLean said.
She encouraged participants to maintain the healthy habits they had developed during the challenge.
Youth, sports, culture and heritage minister Isaac Rankine said the initiative highlighted the role sport and physical activity can play in improving community health.
“Promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for all is one of our ministry’s key priorities, and we are proud to have worked alongside our sporting associations and other government ministries to bring this initiative to life,” he said.
A family fun day at John Gray High School on 4 July concluded the campaign.
Attendees took part in a one mile walk and run, dance fitness sessions, sporting demonstrations, health screenings and activities for children and older adults.
With the movement phase now complete, officials said the government will next focus on ‘nourishment’, encouraging residents to make healthier food choices and improve their understanding of nutrition.
Participants are also being asked to complete a post-campaign survey to help shape future health initiatives.
