Lomu's legacy promoted in Whanganui

Aerobics champ Henry Vaeoso promises that the excercise session on Saturday morning will be informative and fun. Photo Bevan Conley

Watching fit-as-a fiddle Masters' Games competitors might inspire some Whanganui people to make some lifestyle changes.

Anyone looking for inspiration, may find it this Saturday at the Memorial Hall forecourt when former New Zealand aerobics champion Henry Vaeoso and former All Black Michael Jones share the On You vision along with an easy exercise session.

On You is a dream that Henry Vaeoso shared with his late friend Jonah Lomu to activate and motivate New Zealanders to take ownership of their health and wellbeing and to save lives.

Whanganui Rotary member Bob Smith said the project which is about raising awareness of New Zealand's obesity problem and promoting healthy living seemed a perfect one to promote during the Masters' Games.

Rotary have sponsored On You to come to Whanganui for the games and Mr Smith said Events Trust chief executive, Kathy Cunningham was all for it.

"We would like to invite community organisations involved in heathy lifestyle programmes, walking groups, fitness groups and the like , to take part in the one hour event on Saturday morning.

"And also to take this opportunity set up a stand and promote their programmes," said Mr Smith.
Michael Jones has embraced the programme and says it is "something I have to do, not only for Jonah, Henry and I, but also for my community."

"Michael looks more like a prop than a flanker these days," says Mr Vaeoso.

"He wanted to improve his own health and fitness and inspire others at the same time."

Mr Vaeoso says he will also be competing in Masters' Games golf while he is in Whanganui.

"I couldn't come to the games and not compete in something," he says.

The On You session will start at 10am on Saturday, February 11 at the Memorial Hall forecourt.

Bob Smith can be contacted on 027 453 0502.