Clinics to teach children football and basketball skills

ABU DHABI // About 250 schoolchildren will receive basketball and football coaching this month in the capital. The clinics, organised by the municipality, Al Jazira Sports and Cultural Club and the Abu Dhabi Educational Zone, are aimed at promoting an active, community-based lifestyle for youngsters. "Participation in team sport is a proven method of developing social participation and a sense of belonging within the wider community," said Dr Badriyah al Dhahri, a community services manager with the municipality.

The first session, to be held on Saturday, will bring together 150 students aged six to 10 at Al Khalidiya playground, while the second is expected to round up some 100 students aged 11 to 15 on December 19 to play basketball on Musaffah Road. Students will be given coaching in basic aspects of the sports by coaches of Al Jazira club. At the end of the coaching, matches will be held. One of the driving forces behind the scheme is to improve health.

"Given the concerns over sedentary lifestyles, obesity and the overall cardiac health of the wider population, the municipality is committed to the promotion of and the provision of opportunities to participate in healthy and active lifestyles," said Dr al Dhahri. The event will serve as a pilot scheme that the municipality plans to develop into a wider programme next year. zhankir@thenational.ae