Dubai: Former Pakistani fast-bowler Wasim Akram cheered on a sea of light blue caps and T-shirts on Friday morning, as thousands set off to walk for diabetes awareness.
Akram himself has been diabetic for the past 14 years. "The idea of this walk is to create awareness in our community, especially the youngsters. It's great to see so many people here today," he said to the crowd of walkers gathered at the Oasis Centre on Shaikh Zayed Road, before thanking them for joining to support the cause.
Face-painting delighted youngsters, while everyone who registered was given a free glucose test by partners Johnson & Johnson.
World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14, and is lead by the International Diabetes Federation.
It marks the birthday of Frederick Banting who along with Charles Best conceived the idea that lead to the discovery of insulin in 1922.
Rashid Kamali, Commercial Director, Dubai Sports Council, said at the start of the walkathon: "This year I have brought my daughter with me — I feel it's very important that we create awareness from childhood. This is a great challenge for everyone."
Fitness First warmed up the crowd, Dubai Drums provided entertainment and there was a special Tai Chi performance by Master John Duval.
"Diabetes is the plague of the century. The theme of world diabetes day this year is education. Education is very important for people to handle their disease and change their lifestyle, but also for the general population… to prevent Diabetes. Diabetes is preventable… by maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active. Implementing prevention programmes is very essential," Dr Rima Tahan, Diabetology Unit, Rashid Hospital, said.
Beat Diabetes Walkathon in Muscat
Hundreds of residents poured out for the first edition of Beat Diabetes Walkathon Friday as carnival-like atmosphere was created outside Centre Point in Ruwi district of Muscat.
From a toddler in a pram to an old man with a walking street people of different ages and nationalities turned up early in the morning in support of the two and half kilometres Walkathon held by the Landmark Group and Ministry of Health.
The exact number was not available as the organisers registered people for the Walkathon till the last moment and there were several stations set up in the area to encourage people to show solidarity for the cause.
Dr. Jawad bin Ahmed Al Lawati, Director, Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases Department, Ministry of Health launched the Walkathon by leading the ‘walkers’ along with Clive Freeman, Territory Head - Landmark Group, .
The organisers had made elaborate arrangement for free blood sugar test at the venue and water points were lined up along the circuitous route.
To highlight the importance of fitness in fighting diabetes, a compact fun filled fitness demonstration was conducted prior to the walk.
Miss India Universe 2009, Ekta Chowdhry, Saleh Al Jabri, Captain of ninth century sail boat Jewel of Muscat, Hiba Al Rahbi from Royal Cavalry, Nizar Al Shanfari, Rally Driver and Sara Al Balushi, rising tennis star of Oman were some of the celebrity participant who joined with nearly 4000 ‘Walkers’and pledged their support for spreading awareness of Diabetes.
“I am confident that this campaign will grow much larger in the coming year as we plan to make Beat Diabetes Walkathon an annual event in Oman's calendar, " hoped Clive Freeman, Territory Head - Landmark Group, Oman.
