Thousands of individuals from different ages, abilities, and nationalities came together at Safa Park to commit to at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day for the next 30 days on October 20, 2017. This event signified the launch of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, the city’s largest movement aimed at inspiring people to adopt a fitness-focused mindset and pursue a healthier, more active lifestyle.
As reported by Khaleej Times, the call to take up the fitness challenge by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, was answered with great enthusiasm by Dubai residents, who braved the heat to spend their precious weekend for the challenge.
On that day, more than 10,000 people made their way to the park, with festivities kicking off on Friday, October 20. The event began with an exhilarating display as five SkyDive Dubai divers descended at speeds exceeding 100 kmph, landing right in the heart of the main stage area at Safa Park amid cheers from the crowd.
Sports celebrities were present, including former England football captain Rio Ferdinand who encouraged residents of all ages “to be more active and motivated being fit".
Participants, both young and old, engaged in a variety of fun and healthy activities throughout the day.
“Committing to a healthy life-style has never been easier, especially with the host of community engagement and family-friendly programs here in Dubai,” said Dubai resident Nick Watson, who attended with his wife and two kids, 14-year-old Rio and 9-year-old Tia.
Brazilian expat Marat Leiras, a photographer who has skydived with Sheikh Hamdan, emphasized the event's impact: “This fitness challenge has brought so many families together for a healthy cause.”
Khaleej Times also talked to South Africans Jordan and Tanya, who brought their two children Jorjya (then aged 6) and Ethan (4 that time), to get them involved in fitness activites even at a young age. The family participated in a fitness class designed to instil a lifelong love of fitness and physical activity.
Additionally, a team from Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) was present. They promoted the message of “a healthy mind in a healthy body” as they took part in the Desert Warriors Challenge, an integral part of the 30X30 Dubai Fitness Challenge that day.
After the successful kick-off event, various activities took place over the next few days at 88 venues throughout Dubai, effectively transforming the city into an open-air gym.
More than 1,500 events were held to inspire residents to engage in physical activities. In addition, over 500 fitness devices were installed in parks and recreational centers, while schools and offices also joined in on the citywide challenge.
Looking ahead, the 8th edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge will begin on Thursday, October 24, and organizers anticipate it will be one of the largest events to date.
Source: Khaleej Times
Bd-pratidin English/Afia
