Ambassador of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Assistant Coach of the Georgian National Basketball Team, Anatoli Boisa

What does the healthy lifestyle promotion mean for you? How would you explain the 3rd SDG? 

When people hear about a healthy lifestyle, they mostly think that it is exclusively related to physical activity. This is different for me, though. A healthy lifestyle implies several components that are equally important to me. Of course, this involves physical activity, but it also means a healthy diet, sleep, limiting contact with devices, and not being exposed to them before going to bed. I would add our environment to this list and the people we interact with.

One of the main directions of SDG 3 involves promoting physical and mental health and well-being in the country. From your point of view, what are the challenges we have in the country in this regard and within the framework of your activities? How do you help to deal with these challenges?

It is important to teach our children at an early age to spend energy in the right direction because it affects many things, especially mental health. I can give you the example of my son – when the pandemic started, and we were in lockdown, after some time, I noticed that my son’s mood and emotions began to change frequently: he would soon get angry. We sat down, talked, and decided that the whole family would go for a run together every morning, avoiding contact with others as much as possible. I soon noticed that everything had changed for the better. Being a child is the hardest job. He should be as busy as possible because, when he has free time, unfortunately, he plays on the computer and on his phone, which is not good for his physical or mental health. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle and physical exercise are important for mental health. When we talk about a healthy lifestyle, I want the public to understand that spending money on working out in the gym is not mandatory. Playing football in the yard or walking are also physical activities that positively affect general well-being.

You work to raise awareness and promote a healthy lifestyle. What specific steps are you taking?

There are some successful projects in Georgia. We often visit schools where many athletes and public figures hold meetings with the students, and these meetings are very interesting as they are conducted in a question-and-answer mode.

We provide students with general information about a healthy lifestyle and that physical activity is desirable. We explain the benefits of a healthy diet, putting devices aside before going to bed, and so on.

The 3rd SDG has another important direction: preventing the harmful use of prohibited substances, including drugs and alcohol. Are you engaged in raising awareness among young people in this direction, and what activities do you implement?

Many questions about this issue are also asked during the meetings. The more informed people are, the better choices they make.I think that this process should start from an early age; we should nurture the right priorities in a child, explain what is good and what is wrong, and how much harm alcohol and drugs can bring to them. In my opinion, when you feel you need these substances, you are escaping from real life and circumstances. I think you can find a solution without drugs and alcohol. It is much better to turn to a friend or at least practise sports; any physical activity or discovering a new hobby can be a solution.

I am sure that you cooperate with the representatives of other sectors in this direction. What is the importance of cooperation between different sectors to achieve this goal?

Everyone has their share of responsibility in the public and private sectors. There are many good examples abroad where different services plan sports activities. It might require an extra workload, but it’s always fun. First of all, it is a break from routine and, at the same time, it is an effective way to promote teamwork and build good, healthy relationships with one another.

It is important that as many business sector representatives as possible cooperate. Georgia is a small country where everyone knows each other, and if we are involved in any activity, we will have much easier and more direct communication and can share experiences; I am sure that, in this way, we will solve many challenges more easily and achieve more results.

I am fully convinced that all of the 17 SDGs are achievable. I won’t say it’s easy, but the timelines for their implementation are very realistic. If there is a desire and everyone contributes, we will quickly achieve them.

What would you advise society on achieving the 3rd SDG: Good Health and Well-Being in Georgia by 2030?

Let’s support each other as much as possible. When people work as a team and help each other, the result is much bigger, has more value, and arrives sooner.