Organized by Watson's Water with the full support of the Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the "Watson's Water Keep Fit Camp" aims to arouse public attention to the problem of overweight children in Hong Kong. In organizing a series of health-related activities, children are offered an opportunity to receive proper health education, including the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise, which is the cornerstone to a healthy lifestyle. The four-day-three-night "Watson's Water Keep Fit Camp" will be held at Lady MacLehose Holiday Village in Sai Kung, from 23rd to 26th July 2001.

From the commencement of a recruitment campaign, response was overwhelming with more than 1,000 applicants. Following a stringent selection process, which included blood and cholesterol tests, fifty-one participants were selected. Among the initial activities of the event, participants will write down their expectations on a "wishing apple" which will be hung on a "wishing tree". Moreover, participants will also partake in an oath-taking ceremony to demonstrate their conviction towards completing the programme.

The activities and menu in the camp are specially designed by dietitians and doctors from the Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, while interesting and fun activities will be used to convey various health concepts. Furthermore, professional instructors will also assist the youths by evaluating their daily eating habits, and directing them towards a healthier lifestyle. A six-month follow-up programme will also be carried out to monitor the youngsters' progress.

Professor Albert Lee, Director of the Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, said, "The instances of overweight and obesity is increasing among the youth population of Hong Kong. An improper diet and lack of physical exercise are two major factors contributing to this problem. For adolescents, unhealthy eating patterns not only can lead to being overweight, but also to more serious conditions including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. In following a healthy dietary regiment, one should eat foods rich in grain including vegetables, while cutting back on meats, or foods high in fat or salt."

Professor Lee also added, "According to blood samples taken from the participants, 25% of the youngsters had cholesterol levels above normal, while 10% of participants had low density lipoproteins (LDL) which were beyond accepted norms. We hope that children falling under these two categories will learn the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, complemented with proper exercise and weight control, and take the necessary actions towards improving their dietary habits."

Mr. Ben Mak, Marketing Director of Watson's Water, said, "We are pleased that in the first year of establishing 'Watson's Water Keep Fit Camp', such an encouraging response has been achieved. The positive feedback has laid grounds for our decision to organize this event. Most importantly, we hope that the children in the programme will take to heart the concepts of proper nutrition, and establish a healthy lifestyle as a result of their participation in the camp. Of course, we also wish that schools and parents alike will continue in their generous support."