Dubai: As many as 15,000 people have registered for the civic body’s weight loss campaign, and the numbers are expected to grow as the deadline is coming to a close.
Officials at Dubai Municipality on Monday said the number of participants has surpassed last year’s by 50 per cent, and that residents who want to register have to do so before Thursday, July 24.
“The minimum weight to be reduced is two kilograms for all participants to be eligible for rewards. Each individual participant will get one gram of gold per kilo reduced, while families will get two grams for each kilo reduced. First prize will be given for the individual who reduced the most out of his or her weight,” said Esmail Al Banna, director of corporate marketing and relations department, at Dubai Municipality.
Last year’s Weight in Gold campaign witnessed over 10,000 people who registered in the challenge, and the municipality distributed Dh2.8 million in gold.
“As there are two more days left for the final onsite registration day, we are happy to receive more contestants from families with children, as well as individuals, as this year’s focus is on the family members in order to educate and make awareness on how to lead a healthy life,” said Al Banna.
The final measurement will be during September 10-15, where participants will receive a SMS on when and where they have to go to take their final measurements.
Registration is open from July 15-24, 9pm-12 am on a daily basis across five sites: Al Mamzar jogging track, Al Khawaneej jogging track Gate No.3, Safa Park Gate No.2, Zabeel Park Gate No.3 and Al Barsha Park main entrance.
“A person’s health is more precious than gold. We give gold only to motivate people and make them think to change their lifestyle to be safe from many lifestyle related diseases,” he said.
