Move
FITBIT MOVEMEANT CHALLENGE 2022
THE GREAT SCENIC STEPS CHALLENGE During May, for two weeks, 14 well-known challengers strapped on their Fitbits and took to the streets and tracks of beautiful Aotearoa, competing to outstep each other for the diabetes cause.
Below: Heather Verry presents Atawhai with the Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge trophy at Pōhara Marae.
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ur challengers kept stepping right till the last minute, taking an incredible 3,284,400 steps in total, traversing 2502 kms, and raising more than $14,700. They shared their journeys on radio, TV, and social media, while we cheered them on. Sometimes the leaderboard changed daily, and some fierce rivalries emerged. However, one competitor stormed forward to take an early lead and didn’t stop. By the close of the Challenge, Tainui Live presenter Atawhai Edwards had cracked the previous Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge record by more than 100,000 steps – nearly 40,000 steps a day.
WINNER: ATAWHAI EDWARDS (NGĀTI KOROKI-KAHUKURA)
Type 2 diabetes is a cause close to the heart of Atawhai Edwards. Experiencing the loss of loved ones to the condition and seeing their suffering and that of their whānau has lit a fire inside her. Atawhai wants to see better approaches to healthcare and interventions for Māori affected by type 2, and she’s determined to do everything she can to help combat the condition and its impact – starting with her own whānau. Diabetes NZ CEO Heather Verry presented Atawhai with the Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge trophy at the 65th Poukai at Pōhara Marae
WHAT IS THE FITBIT MOVEMEANT CHALLENGE?
Diabetes NZ and Fitbit first ran the Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge in 2015 as part of Diabetes Action Month, to drive awareness of how increased exercise, weight loss, and diet changes can help prevent type 2 diabetes and support people living with type 1 and 2. A huge success, it became a standalone event in 2018. Celebrities, public figures, and business personalities across Aotearoa are invited to compete.
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DIABETES WELLNESS | Spring 2022
