THE PACIFIC ISLANDS HAS SEEN AN ALARMING RISE IN DIABETES THE PACIFIC ISLANDS OVER THE RECENT YEARS. IN RESPONSE TO THIS HEALTH CRISIS, AN ANNUAL BIGGEST WINNER COMPETITION WAS LAUNCHED TO HELP COMBAT THESE ISSUES. THIS FUN COMPETITION, WHICH BEGAN IN 2010, RUNS FROM FEBRUARY TO NOVEMBER EACH YEAR WITH WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT A GRADUATION CELEBRATION HOSTED BY THE WINNER OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
The Biggest Winner
THE COMPETITION
What is the Biggest Winner Challenge? The Pacific Islands has seen an alarming rise in diabetes the Pacific Islands over the recent years. In response to this health crisis, an annual Biggest Winner competition was launched to help combat these issues. Its mission is to improve participants health by improving diets and increasing the amount of regular exercise that they do.
When does the challenge begin and it? The competition begins on 1 February each year and closes in the middle of November (see conference calendar – link). Winners are announced at a graduation celebration hosted by the winner of the previous year.
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE CHALLENGE
Who qualifies? The competition is open to all Pacific Islanders aged 18 and over
What are the criteria of the challenge? Participants have between 1 February until the competitions end in mid-November (see conference calendar – link) to lose weight and reduce their Body Mass Index (BMI) and must sign a declaration to say that they will not use protein shakes, weight-loss pills or similar means of cheating to reduce their weight. This form is handed to your competition coordinator. Biggest Winner Contract Form
How is the winner chosen? The winner is chosen on the basis of Body Mass Index (BMI) rather than weight loss on its own, as this avoids height discrimination
Are there different categories (nationality, age, etc.)? There are no categories.
What are the prizes? Prizes are awarded to the top 3 competitors who reduce their BMI the most.
First prize is a return trip to their island of origin. Second prize is five-day stay at Cedarvale, an Adventist health retreat in Kangaroo Valley, NSW (value $2,150). Third prize is a Sue Radd Nutrition and Wellbeing Clinic in Castle Hill, which includes four personal consultations and one Cookshop (value $442.50).
PARTICIPATING
How do I/we sign up? Please sign up with your Church Biggest Winner coordinators. Church Biggest Winner coordinators are appointed by local churches.
If no-one from your church is coordinating the competition, you are welcome to contact the Health Departmental Administration Assistant on (02) 9868 6522 and make arrangements to be assessed in the office at Epping. APPOINTMENTS MUST BE MADE.
Individuals at smaller churches may also consider joining/collaborating with nearby churches.
What do the coordinators do? Church Biggest Winner coordinator borrow one of two body analysers from the conference office and record participant results at the beginning and end of the competition and forward these to the GSC Health Administration Assistant. A downloadable spread sheet template is available here.
Church coordinators also organise regular exercise classes, weigh-ins and educational presentations to encourage participants.
What are the procedures of the weight-in? Weigh-ins are done using the Body Analyser.This machine measure results of weigh-ins. Amongst other things, it measures Body Mass Index (BMI) which is critical to determine the winner. A small print-out is produced by the analyser and this should be given to the coordinator of your local church, or to the Health Departmental Assistant if tested in the office.
What happens with the receipts? The printed receipts should be given to your coordinator. They are to be kept safely until the end of the competition. Please write your names on your receipt.
As the print-out fades quickly results need to be copied onto a spread sheet quickly while they are still legible. This spreadsheet template are available here.
How do we track our weight loss? Every weigh-in should be entered into the Biggest Winner 2017 spread sheet. Your coordinator will have this sheet. It can be downloaded above.
WEIGHTLOSS
Are there tips for loosing weight? Participants are encouraged to improve diets by eating more natural foods as well as increase their amount of regular exercise. While weight-loss is a goal, developing healthy eating and lifestyle habits is the main objective. For that reason, use of protein shakes, weight-loss pills or similar means of cheating to reduce their weight are grounds for disqualification.
When is the Graduation date?The graduation ceremony takes place mid-November. Please see conference calendar – link.
BIGGEST WINNER INFORMATION SHEET – DOWNLOAD IT HERE
A New Me
Looking for ways to get motivated? How about joining Mt View Church’s fitness group. Lead by Karlos Mataafa, the group, called ‘Team D.C.A.’ which stands for
‘Decide – Commit – Achieve’
is to help individuals develop positive and healthy changes for life.
Interested? Please contact Mt View Church for information on how to het involved.
Recipe Club
Join the recipe club and learn new dishes to prepare.
Recipe Club is a meet-up group where folks gather together to demonstrate recipes and try new foods. Its emphasis is on healthy lifestyles, so the recipes are largely plant-based vegan and vegetarian dishes. The group meets bi-monthly and is open to anyone with a passion for delicious healthy food.
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