ABU DHABI // Hundreds of children took part in a one kilometre walk along the capital’s waterfront on Tuesday to promote health and well-being.
Organised by the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (Haad) as part of the Healthy Children 2021 campaign, the first Abu Dhabi Corniche Walk saw pupils and college students step out to get some early exercise before the heat of the day.
“This is a national programme and all emirates are contributing,” said Dr Jamal Al Naqbi, manager of community health and surveillance at Haad.
“This is the first time that we have launched such a walk for promoting physical activity but we participate in many walks all year round.
“Our message to the community is, let us walk together at the Corniche and at other places. You can enjoy your life while including more physical activity.”
Haad is working to promote the benefits of regular physical activity and a healthy diet as a way to combat rising levels of childhood obesity and diabetes in the UAE.
Data from the International Diabetes Federation to mark World Diabetes Day in November showed there were 803,900 diabetics in the UAE – about 19 per cent of the population.
Staff and pupils from private and government schools from across the emirate turned up for the walk, Dr Naqbi said.
“Schools were very supportive of the idea. There will be many more events like this,” he said.
Mona Youssef, who teaches art at Al Dhabiania Private School, Al Mushrif, took part with 38 students, aged nine to 11.
“The girls are so excited about this event.
“We encourage the students to go out and walk, and include activities in the school as well. If they are involved in sports now, they may grow up to enjoy physical activity and know how important it is.
“This is crucial now, as more and more children are becoming obese or have diabetes.”
Mariam Humaid, 11, a student in Grade 4, was excited to be on the Corniche on a school day with her friends.
“I do like walking and I am happy to be here, though I come here often with my family,” she said.
Marwa Al Marzooqi, 9, also in Grade 4 at Al Dhabiania, said if she had to pick her favourite physical activity it would be dancing, but she was enjoying the walk.
Adiba Mukhallalati, an English teacher at Al Bashair School in Mussaffah, accompanied a group of 35 fifth grade students.
“They are very happy to be here and are driving the camera person crazy,” she said.
“It is really hot today and I am worried about them being out in the sun for so long.”
But she said: “This kind of activity makes children work as a team, and they communicate and collaborate with each other, which is very important.”
Fatima Naim, an 18-year-old student at Abu Dhabi University, volunteered for the event. She used to eat junk food as a child and only now fully understands the significance of taking care of her health.
“The children are learning at a young age the importance of eating right and exercising,” she said.
Another volunteer, Farah Sulaiman, said the pupils were happy to be out of school, even though it was a hot morning.
arizvi2@thenational.ae
