Commercial Partners

Discovery

With a million Vitality members who represent a substantial database of people who are actively having their health and wellness monitored, providing an ideal research base for the Sport Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA), which in turn will lead to continued benefits for Vitality members. SSISA is dedicated to using science in pursuit of optimising the sporting performance and health of all South Africans. The relationship with Vitality represents a unique opportunity to research the effects of healthy living on medical costs and the future health of participants. The agreement with SISSA brings independent scientific accreditation to the Vitality HealthStyle Programme.

Woolworths

Health Promotions is the director and operational manager of the Woolworths association. Last year, eight projects that are all aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles in primary school children, were conducted. The annual country-wide "My Schools Talks" are directed at primary school parents. They create an awareness and understanding of health and fitness issues of young children, by providing credible, scientific and practical information, and are presented by a select panel of dieticians in association with Shelly Meltzer.

Another key project directed and managed by Health Promotions last year was the production of the "Exercise is Making the Difference" DVD. Under the guidance of Health Promotions, Woolworths is increasingly acknowledging the importance of developing exercise-related MySchool material and this DVD was one such initiative. This DVD has several key goals including; to encourage parents, learners and educators to become active, to see that exercise is accessible and to show that exercise is fun.

New Balance

The Sports Science Institute of South Africa shares a mutually beneficial strategic partnership with NEW BALANCE, the respected brand in the running shoe and sports apparel industry. The sense of unity achieved through the uniform sponsorship received by the Institute is reciprocated in the professional services it has to offer the athletes NEW BALANCE supports. Combined health promotion and marketing have been active in helping the brands grow together for the benefit of the greater active community.

MACSTEEL

Sponsored by MACSTEEL, the Maestros Programme is a national outreach programme. It provides an environment wherein young, talented, financially disadvantaged athletes receive holistic support in order to reach their greatest potential. The programme places a strong emphasis on life skills development and caters for individuals and groups.

MACSTEEL has also sponsored the implementation of three Athlete Service Centres to allow the sporting fraternity access to information technology. These are situated at SSISA, Wits University (Johannesburg) and (HPC) high performance centre in Pretoria. MACSTEEL also sponsors a Super Maestro squad comprising their top athletes competing in international events.