His fitness challenge started a year ago

Dubai - Born with cerebral palsy, Salem Al Mehairi has trained consistently to make his muscles stronger

An Emirati karateka discovered his passion for fitness over a year ago, so when he heard about the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) this month, it was not something he was going to shy away from.
But, fitness wasn't just about shedding a few kilos for him. It completely turned around his life.
Salem Al Mehairi, a 19-year-old person of determination, has cerebral palsy, affecting his body movement, muscle coordination and control, stability and muscle tone.
Mehairi was born premature and developed femoral retroversion, which is a condition where his hips don't close all the way, causing him to walk outwards. However, consistent training has made his muscles stronger, allowing him to walk with more stability.
Mehairi's mum, Maryna van der Marwa, said ever since he's been lifting weights and taking karate lessons, his "life has changed", and he will continue to keep exercising for the fitness challenge.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, launched the 30-day DFC programme, which asks residents to work out or exercise everyday for at least 30 minutes.
"My son has lost 10kg and he's developed muscles. He's been training everyday and you can't imagine how it's changed his life," Maryna told Khaleej Times.
"Japan has a competition every year for people with determination and my son was the first Emirati to participate in it. It is absolutely essential for people - especially those with determination - to be persistent with their fitness routines," she added.
Maryna also praised the Dubai government for providing activities for people of determination during the fitness challenge carnivals. This Friday, a range of activities will be available for them, including sitting volleyball and wheelchair rugby, to name a few. The mother also hopes to see more organisations specialising in sports for people with determination.
The parents of children with determination play a very important role in ensuring their fitness, she noted. "Parents really have to step in and that's what I did. I created personal goals for him," she said. "Earlier, my son didn't know how to use any of the fitness equipment and machines but after a year, he became so good at it. He understands what to do.
"We tailormade a programme for his condition, focusing on the specific positioning of his legs because of his hip problem. He trains for about two hours a day, working on his agility, weight training and toning."
This determined, dedicated mother thinks parents should not give up. "Change will only come gradually, but it's absolutely worth it. There will definitely be a good end result. Take it step by step, even slow moving means progress."
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai Fitness Challenge
• Dubai