Liverpool winger Harry Kewell has launched a national
campaign back home in Australia designed to fight obesity. Kewell was appointed
to the scheme, the "Around Australia in 40 Days Challenge", by the Australian
government. He's one of many 'Healthy Active Ambassadors' they have appointed.
The scheme encourages children to walk 5km a day for 40
days, and each child involved will be given a pedometer to measure their steps.
They've equated 10,000 steps to the 5km.
Speaking to The
Brisbane Times, Kewell said: "I know it's a big thing over here and it is a
shame that we are so high up on the list because we are such a great sporting
country. That's why I have become part of it to let you know what can be
achieved by playing sports."
Up to 85,000 children, from Australia's year 7 through year
9 age group, are taking part. Schools can be entered into a draw for every team
that completes the challenge, with prizes of up to 10,000 Australian dollars on
offers.
The Aussie Health Minister, Tony Abbott, announced: "We
can't all be Harry Kewell, we can't all be Cathy Freeman – but we can all be
fit and active."
Kewell has just returned to fitness after an 11-month layoff
through injury and is expected to play in this summer's Asia Cup for the
Socceroos.