Rotary clubs in Antigua are stepping up efforts to address childhood obesity, using movement, music, and mentorship to inspire healthier lifestyles among young people.

In support of the Rotary District 7030 MOVES Initiative, the Rotary Club of Antigua, Rotaract Club of Antigua, and the Interact Clubs of St. Joseph’s Academy and Christ the King High School collaborated to host a lively Soca Fitness exercise session at the YMCA Sports Complex.

The activity aligned with the four pillars of the MOVES framework, Move to Participate, Move to Educate, Move to Action, and Move to Recognize and focused on encouraging physical activity while raising awareness about the increasing rates of childhood obesity in local communities.

Participants engaged in an energetic workout set to soca rhythms, demonstrating how culturally relevant fitness programmes can make health education more accessible and appealing, especially to young people. Organisers noted that such initiatives help promote positive behavioural change and reinforce the importance of establishing healthy habits from an early age.

Youth leaders and Rotarians used the opportunity to highlight wellness as a shared responsibility, emphasising that meaningful change requires both individual commitment and community support.

The clubs also expressed gratitude to fitness instructor Shannan Lawes, widely known as Dancer Boy Shan, for leading the session and keeping participants motivated throughout the event.

Rotary officials say the initiative reflects their continued commitment to health promotion, youth development, and community education. By empowering young people to become advocates for wellness, Rotary aims to support sustainable, community-driven solutions to improve public health.

The message from organisers was clear: through movement, education, and collaboration, communities can work together to change the narrative on obesity.