The Vanuatu Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted the Walk4Life Fitness Challenge at Korman Stadium in Port Vila on May 7. This event, part of the Trans Pacific Union Mission’s (TPUM) broader health initiative, aimed to promote physical wellness and raise awareness about non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevalent in Pacific communities.
The challenge featured various fitness activities, including walking, running, push-ups, sit-ups and squats. Participants were categorised into four achievement levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Super, each with specific fitness criteria. For instance, the Bronze level required walking 3 km, running 50 meters and completing a set number of push-ups, squats and sit-ups within designated time limits. The Super level demanded more rigorous standards, such as walking 10 km and performing 100 push-ups, squats and sit-ups within set times.
TPUM leaders Pastor Maveni Kaufononga (president) and Pastor Linray Tutuo (ministerial secretary) also participated in the fitness activities. Their involvement aligned with the event’s emphasis on promoting active lifestyles and addressing health challenges in the region.
Medals were awarded to participants who completed the challenge’s requirements, recognising their commitment and encouraging broad participation.
The Walk4Life movement began when Pastor Kaufononga invited office staff to join him and his wife each morning from Monday to Friday on a 30-minute walk starting at 5am.
Since then, the Walk4Life Fitness Challenge has been held in Fiji for Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) office staff, and a Facebook group has grown to more than 3500 members from across the TPUM region.
Established in 2022, Walk4Life promotes regular physical activity as a way to address non-communicable diseases and support healthier lifestyles in Pacific communities.
