Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) in cooperation with the Department of Community Development and with the support of Mubadala Health has launched a fitness program under the banner of “Let’s stay healthy together” for employees of the social sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
HE Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, HE Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Council, and a number of heads of the social sector departments attended the launch ceremony at the ADSC headquarters.
The objective of the program is to encourage employees to practice physical activities as well as promote fitness culture and leading an ACTIV and healthy lifestyle in the social sector.
Participation in the program through the (Steppi) application provides a platform that will provide follow-up to the participant’s fitness, set personal goals, and join challenges and community events organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to obtain rewards.
The program also provides access to determining health and physical measurements and joining educational awareness sessions.
Rewards will be allocated to the winners of all challenges through the program, and prizes will be allocated to the most ACTIV entity, the most ACTIV employee, the most improved employee, the most influential employee, along with the winning team in the challenge.
The ACTIV 150 program symbolizes the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week.
HE Dr Al Khaili emphasised the importance of launching initiatives concerned with physical activity that contributes to improving the quality of life of community members.
“Creating a healthy and ideal environment in the social sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi works continuously in directing individuals to exercise and lead a sustainable lifestyle,” he said.
According to him, the results of the quality of life questionnaire launched by the department in its second session revealed that 23% of the participants in Abu Dhabi practice sports most of the time, and 25% practice it once a week, and walking is the highest percentage in terms of demand, 76 %, followed by jogging at 24%.
“These sports programs will greatly contribute to enhancing the importance of practicing physical activities that will help improve the health of individuals for the better,” HE Dr Al Khaili said.
“The Department of Community Development is constantly seeking to implement sports programs that achieve visions. The goals are to spread the culture of sports for all.”
HE Al Awani commended the importance and role of such programs that motivate career cadres in the social sector of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to increase their rates of practicing sports activity through ACTIV 150 program.
“Abu Dhabi Sports Council is keen to provide initiatives, events and programs that support all segments of society in order to achieve their participation and sports communication and its positive reflection in improving physical fitness,” he said.
“To enhance everyone's daily lifestyle, thus contributing to the happiness and well-being of society, calling on all social sector employees to register their participation and interaction in activities.
“The program is in support of an athletic community that enjoys good physical fitness and a healthy life.”
Mubadala Health’s Chief Executive Officer, Hasan Jasem Al Nowais said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the healthcare partner on such a positive venture, which aligns with our continued focus on healthy lifestyles and preventative medicine. Lifestyle diseases are prevalent in our region and their risks could be greatly reduced by exercising regularly, eating sensibly and maintaining a healthy body weight, as encouraged by the ACTIV 150 program. This initiative will empower the participants to manage their current and future health, and they will also be able to inspire the wider public through their example.”
