After 10 weeks of sweating it out running, boxing and doing pilates, aqua aerobics and circuit training, in communities across NSW, the winners of the George Rose Knockout Health Challenge have been announced by the Melbourne Storm player himself.

Dr Jo Mitchell, Director of the NSW Centre for Population Health, revealed 30 teams registered for the George Rose Challenge, which is the inspirational first event of this year’s NSW Knockout Health Challenge.

“The results are incredible. These teams have lost over 1,250 kilos collectively, with many participants successfully knocking off risk factors for disease as they reduced their waistlines,” Dr Mitchell said.

“Congratulations to the Menindee Fat Yabs team who have won this year’s Challenge,” George Rose said.

“The Fat Yabs achieved a total weight loss percentage of 8% and collectively lost 178 kilograms, which is a fantastic result for the community.”

In recognition of their achievements, the team will be awarded $20,000 in funding to support their community to be healthy, for items like for sporting equipment, training in exercise and nutrition, and sponsorship to local sporting clubs.

The Eurobodalla Scale Busters team placed 2nd in this year’s challenge. They achieved a total weight loss percentage of 4.78 and collectively lost 97 kgs – a result which will see them rewarded with $10,000 in funding.

The Armidale Allshapes team placed 3rd and will be awarded $5K in funding, having achieved a total weight loss percentage of 4.58 and collectively lost 92 kgs.

“I’m so proud of everyone who’s been involved in and remained committed to the challenge,” Mr Rose said.

“This event is life changing. It is not just about a 10 week competition, but something the participants can take on for the rest of their lives and teach to their kids, their friends and family” Dr Mitchell said.

The NSW Knockout Health Challenge is an annual partnership between the NSW Ministry of Health and the NSW Rugby League and is implemented through the Agency for Clinical Innovation.

This initiative of the Culture Health Communities Program, supports the link between Aboriginal culture and individual’s participation in their own health.

“We’re so impressed that the teams have really taken up the Challenge to increase their levels of physical activity and improve nutrition,” Dr Mitchell said.

“This challenge is about building healthy families. Mums are getting fitter to keep up with their kids and children are training alongside their parents, aunties and uncles.”

To help lose the weight, the Bre Bliss Bombs from Brewarrina held a weekly dinner for participants produced from locally bought produce.

The Boomanulla Blubba Bustas organised an amazing race style event around Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin while the 2Fit2Deadly team from Coffs Harbour organised a Beach to Beach event.

Ricky Walford, Indigenous Rugby League Manager at the NSW Rugby League says he is proud to see the Challenge attracted even more teams to participate in its third year.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting out to some of the team’s training sessions and seeing how hard they are all working,” Mr Walford said.

Challenge teams can use a portion of their winning funds to support their local rugby league team to participate in the NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout in Raymond Terrace in October.

The presentation ceremony for the winners of the Challenge will be held tomorrow at the Parramatta versus St George Illawarra game.

“I encourage all NSW residents to get involved in creating a training video for round 2, the Kyle Saunders Challenge” Dr Mitchell said.

“The Julie Young 10 week weight loss challenge starts on June 30 and the competition will finish with the Ronny Gibbs Challenge Games over the Knockout weekend in October.”

More information about these events can be found at NSW Knockout Challenge.

Get Healthy, a NSW based free confidential health coaching telephone service, has helped support participants to set goals, maintain motivation, and provided information and advice on physical activity and healthy eating.

Anyone can join Get Healthy by calling 1300 806 258 or visiting Get Healthy NSW for more information.