When Dubai was painted blue for diabetes awareness

Dubai - Complementing the mood of the morning, Fitness First hosted spot fitness challenges at the Fitness Zone, in addition to Zumba, Yoga, and Body Balance classes.

More than 17,000 residents joined the seventh edition of Landmark Group's Beat Diabetes Walk in a bid to raise awareness about the condition and promote the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.
This year, the Beat Diabetes initiative raised close to Dh350,000 through the participation fee for the walk. Additionally, the initiative is also raising funds across 550 Landmark Group stores in the UAE through the month of November. The funds raised will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation towards stepping up awareness and education, and supporting on-going research developments for a lasting cure to the condition.
Starting at 8am, Zabeel Park transformed into a sea of blue as participants in their trademark blue T-shirts and caps assembled for the walkathon. Also making an appearance at the walk were radio presenters Kris Fade, Priti Malik, and Big Rossi to support diabetes awareness. Blue balloons, symbolic of the global colour for diabetes awareness, were released accompanied by confetti showers to signal the start of the walkathon.
Complementing the mood of the morning, Fitness First hosted spot fitness challenges at the Fitness Zone, in addition to Zumba, Yoga, and Body Balance classes. Participants seeking a more exciting and engaging experience joined on-site bubble soccer teams, archery activities, and enjoyed a riveting game of cricket.
The morning included several fun components to create a carnival-like atmosphere. At the One Touch Village, pharmaceutical majors Johnson & Johnson took participants through the key aspects of diabetes management, including the importance of regular blood glucose testing and monitoring.
In addition, the initiative teamed up with visual artist Gary Yong to create a vivid, innovative social art project.
Speaking on the walk, an annual event for the country at large, Renuka Jagtiani, vice-chairperson, Landmark Group, said: "We are grateful to the people of the UAE and the wider region who stepped out of their homes to join the Beat Diabetes Walk. We hope the initiative continues to inspire people to make lifestyle changes to either prevent or better manage the condition," added Jagtiani.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai