Dubai: Pupils from Repton School Dubai have kickstarted an ambitious project that will get them walking, running, cycling and swimming to raise diabetes awareness in the UAE.
The bigger idea behind the series of physical activities is to link Repton Dubai to Repton UK while also cultivating healthy lifestyles and diabetes awareness in the UAE.
The first part of the activity was held at Repton School Dubai with nearly 1,300 pupils from the junior school participating in an early morning walk on Thursday.
“I feel so good about this walk as I know I can also raise money to help people with diabetes,” 10-year-old Sara Daouk told Gulf News.
“The awareness on diabetes will definitely help me. I enjoy skateboarding, but walking and jogging is something that I may consider to keep fit,” added Jovan Ives, a Year Six student.
As a school, Repton will be running, walking, swimming and cycling the miles to emphasise how exercise can play an important role in reducing the chances of developing diabetes. “This walk has been quite tiring as I prefer swimming five times a week for my exercise,” noted Jonah Matek, 11.
“But it’s always good to be doing something beneficial for society and keeping fit at the same time,” he added.
“I want to be a top footballer, possibly playing at Real Madrid,” chipped in Kalin Kim.
“As a potential footballer I understand the hard work one needs to put in to keep fit for a challenging career ahead,” he added.
The UAE National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC) that is backing the raising of diabetic awareness in the country was pleased with the awareness Repton School has shown.
“We want to be involved even more in such initiatives that will help our younger generation grow up with the right principles of healthy living,” said Mohammad Al Kamali, general secretary, UAE NOC.
“We do have several other initiatives that help inculcate healthy living, but this one from Repton School needs to be lauded as it seeks to address a crucial section of society,” he added.
Jonathan Hughes-D’Aeth, Headmaster at Repton School disclosed how staff members and pupils from the school will be using Friday’s marathon to notch up the miles to link the two institutes. “It’s a novel way of getting staff and pupils motivated for a cause,” Headmaster Hughes-D’Aeth said.
Later, Hassan Al Merri, deputy manager, Sports Department, UAE NOC, handed over a certificate of appreciation to Johnnie Kittermaster, headmaster of the junior school.
