Netball WA, Healthway and the Fuel to Go & Play team have collaborated to make sure a key focus of the championships is to encourage participants and spectators to make healthy choices around what they eat and drink.
Several strategies are being implemented for the Fuel to Go & Play Association Championships by Netball WA and Healthway to ensure the event is as healthy as can be, including plenty of healthy food and drink options available at the Fuel to Go & Play Café.
Food trucks with a wide range of nutritious foods have been prioritised for the event.
Free fruit and water for players and spectators will also be available in the Fuel to Go & Play Activation Zone as well as educational games.
Healthway recommends fuelling up two hours in advance of exercise with healthy carbohydrates such as porridge, cereal with milk and eggs on toast.
A combination of carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats are all needed to keep the body energised throughout the day, especially when exercise is involved.
Fruit is also suggested for half time as they provide energy as well as vitamins, antioxidants and fibres.
The best post-game meal is something with healthy carbohydrates and protein like a chicken wrap, sandwich or sushi.
A healthy diet does not stop with food, water is another key element to growth and development, creating a healthy immune system and achieving sporting goals.
Dehydration can be difficult to spot, especially for children playing sport who lose fluids through sweat.
The warning signs of dehydration can begin mild with symptoms starting as a dry mouth and throat but can develop quickly into muscle cramps, dizziness and nausea.
Healthway recommend 14-18 year olds should drink 1.8 litres of water and adults drink 2 litres to stay properly hydrated.
Most sports drinks contain large amounts of sugar, with the average 600ml sport drink containing nine teaspoons of sugar, so water is the recommended fluid for most junior sport.
Netball WA Chief Executive Officer Simone Hansen said the Fuel to Go & Play Association Championships are a great opportunity to promote a healthy lifestyle in the Netball community.
“Netball WA has built a long and rewarding partnership with Healthway which has seen the promotion of the Fuel to Go and Play message and the increase of healthy food and drink offerings across the Netball Community," she said.
“Our partnership has had a tremendously positive impact on community netball right across Western Australia, as highlighted by last year’s Fuel to Go and Play Association Championships, where the healthy food options sold out on day one.
“Netball WA looks forward to our continued partnership with Healthway and promoting the Fuel to Go and Play message to new and returning netballers in 2023."
The Fuel to Go & Play Association Championships will be held this long weekend from Saturday 3 June to Monday 5 June on the courts of the Gold Netball Centre and Perth Netball Association.
