The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) took part in the “National Sports Day” events, which was held under the slogan “Emirates Unite Us” with the participation of the central administrations, medical districts and its affiliated facilities.
The day was a national celebration that gathered the whole segments and spectrums in the society, in particular, that it comes in coincidence with the “Year of Tolerance” to reflect the cooperation and harmony of the cohesive multi-cultural fabric on the land of UAE.
Also, MoHAP’s participation reflects the keenness of the entire society to express love and appreciation for the UAE and affirms the significance of physical activity by making it a healthy lifestyle for the whole people.
Peaceful Coexistence Among Multi cultures
H.E. Dr. Hussein Abdel-Rahman Al-Rand, Undersecretary of the Ministry’s Health Assistant Sector, Health Centers and Clinics, emphasized the significance of the National Sports Day in terms of boosting the positive spirit, harmony and positive interaction of the cohesive social fabric among all multicultural segments and spectrums living in the UAE.
“The day was full of unique nationwide events, with authentic noble values as it’s coincided with the “Year of Tolerance”, and in line with the directives of H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with respect to launching the National Sports Day along with diverse types of competitive, educational, communal, promotional, recreational and sports activities. This will consolidate the importance of being engaged in physical activity and its positive impact on health and well-being, and to achieve the core goals of such an occasion by emphasizing meanings of unity and positive coexistence among diverse cultures in the UAE, the oasis of security and safety.
"Sport for All" Notion
Dr. Fadila Sharif, Director of the Health Education Department, said: “These national events allow the direct communication among members of the society in an atmosphere of positive spirit and consolidate the meaning of “Sport for All” as the best communication language with various nationalities in the UAE.
Dr. Fadila shed the light on the continuous activities organized by MoHAP within the framework of the media campaign “Your Health Comes First” as part of the national initiative “Promote the Awareness of Healthy Lifestyle”, which aims to build a healthy society by enabling the people to adopt healthy lifestyles and to be engaged in physical activity, so as to avoid health hazards and reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
March of Tolerance
The Ministry of Health and Prevention participated in the tolerance march, which was held at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, in order to achieve the core goals of the Sports Day and its noble message under the theme “Emirate Unite Us”. The main events featured 2 Km marathon, held at Zabeel Park on March 7, with the participation of park visitors and MoHAP employees. The activities also included medical examinations such as blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Hussein Abdel-Rahman Al-Rand, Undersecretary of the Ministry’s Health Assistant Sector, Health Centers and Clinics.
Sharjah Medical District
Sharjah Medical District organized a marathon at Sahara Centre with the participation of public and private school students and the ministry employees. Sharjah Medical District’s hospitals and some medical centres made a special corner to teach sports and physical activities for the visitors and employees. Gifts were handed out to the participants, in addition to organizing sports heritage activities in association with schools. Sports educational flashes were also sent via e-mail to all employees of the district and visitors of Customer Happiness Centers.
Ras Al Khaimah Medical District
In turn, Ras Al Khaimah Medical District organized a number of activities at Emirates Club, including a marathon, hackathon and football games, with the participation of the local and federal government employees. The winners were awarded medals, shields and certificates. The children of diabetes, chronic diseases and people of determination were also involved in competitive competitions to engage them in community events.
On the second day, March 7, medical tests were conducted on diabetes and blood pressure. Leaflets were handed out to the employees on the importance of sports activity and its impact on human health.
Saqr Hospital has conducted Zumba exercises, health exhibition, in addition to running, pulling rope and bicycles sports competitions. While Obaidullah Hospital organized a quick walking competition for employees and workers, sports competitions and various sports activities. Women's medical examinations were also conducted at Khuzam Family Park, in cooperation with the Public Services Department, besides health exhibition and a band at the QawasimCorniche, in association with Ras Al Khaimah Police.
Umm Al Quwain Medical District
While Umm Al Quwain Medical District launched “No Elevators Day” to motivate employees to practice physical activity. Educational posters of the initiative were distributed and healthy meals were provided. The Preventive Medicine Center’s employees participated in various sports competitions, including running, a ball game with music, bowling and rope tightening. Sports equipment were provided for all participants to encourage them to practice physical activity, in addition to yoga and deep breathing exercises for nursing and other staff.
In the same context, Falaj al-Mu’alla District’s employees practiced walking and ate healthy meals. Al-Salama Medical Centre organized competitions along with incentive prizes, such as basketball, walking and rope tightening. A healthy diet was distributed to patients and visitors.
In the Dental Services Centre, trainers were available to provide and supervise sports competitions. Free admission was also provided for the sports club.
At Al Khazan Health Center, the participants, who are regularly practicing sports, were honored to motivate the society to practice walking with the participation of patients and visitors.
Ajman Medical District
Ajman Medical District organized competitions and sports games in Ajman Marina, such as cycling, karate and horseback riding, in addition to launching a health exhibition for employees, orphans, university students and people of determination, with the participation of Ajman Specialty General Hospital, Red Crescent, Trust Club and Ajman Club for Disabled.
Fujairah Medical District
Fujairah Medical District organized several sports activities and distributed brochures, tips and exercises, physical competitions and distribution of water bottles with the slogan of the event. In Dibba Hospital, a walking marathon was organized from the gate of the hospital in coordination with the traffic dept. in Dibba, it also organized a series of sports activities for the employees and the clients in participation with a sports coach, and it provided free medical tests for pressure, diabetes and body mass index, in addition to a blood donation campaign.
At the Fujairah Hospital, physical and sports activities were organized, health nutrition counseling, volleyball games, rope-tightening and free medical examinations were conducted. The Tolerance Committee planted 48 Gaff trees at the Fujairah Hospital and Fujairah Care & Rehabilitation Center for People of Determination