It’s been 11 weeks since teams started to lose weight in our inaugural State Knockout Challenge and the results are sensational.

Collectively teams have lost over 800kgs.The 13 teams from across NSW had a combined starting weight of just over 32,000 kg.

There are just 5 weeks remaining and teams are on track to reach a combined weight loss of 1000kgs by the end of the challenge.

“Teams are building on these great results and trying to keep motivation high to continue losing weight and building healthy lifestyles” said program manager, Raylene Gordon.

“I take my hat off to the teams getting together and training outside in these winter months! It’s great to see children training alongside their parents and family members. It’s wonderful to see teams train together and finish with a healthy meal afterwards. It’s a real community effort.”

Representatives from each team met at Rugby League Central on June 21 to discuss ways of training groups of people and tools and exercises which can be used to help people lose weight. It was a great day during which teams met the competition and shared ideas on how to help their communities.

An active and practical session is being organised for team representatives on August 6 to help keep their teams motivated in these last few weeks.

“There is plenty of laughter at training and it’s wonderful to see the younger members motivating the older members. Congratulations to the teams for their innovative approaches to training and rewarding success.”

“Mums are getting fitter to keep up with their kids and a number of people have reduced or stopped taking medications for blood pressure and diabetes. These are the great results we were after!”

Each team has brought their unique edge to training and keeping motivated to lose weight and develop healthy lifestyles. We have seen some great results with people losing many centimetres from their waists.

To keep themselves motivated Armidale Team The Blackest Losers organised a visit from former Biggest Loser contestant Sharif Deen, who shared his weight loss experience.

Albury team Mixed Salad enjoyed a performance and talk from Christine Anu who has recently lost weight and changed her lifestyle.

Bidgee United from Griffith have had visits from NRL players to motivate their team while the Orange Aboriginal All Stars have great Sunday afternoon sessions at the PCYC with a great healthy meal afterwards.

Not only is the State Knockout Challenge helping communities to lose weight, it is also supporting people to develop healthy lifestyle habits such as eating fruits and vegetables and healthy snacks as well as being physically active. These habits help people to feel healthier and get more out of life. And, importantly, can prevent a range of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. 

The challenge finishes on August 31, with the winners announced on September 7 -three weeks before the Aboriginal Knockout is held in Raymond Terrace on September 29.

The three teams which loses the most weight will receive a community grant to promote healthy lifestyles in their local area.