Combating coronavirus: Remote fitness contest to keep students in shape

Under the supervision of the health and physical fitness department, the unique initiative will tap students' physical and mental energy and help them utilise their #StayHome' time.

Helping students stay physically fit assumes greater importance as they are confined to their homes due to the precautionary measures being undertaken to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
The first remote Emirati School Fitness Championship - launched by the Ministry of Education on Sunday and will continue until May 19 - aims to do exactly that. Under the supervision of the health and physical fitness department, the unique initiative will tap students' physical and mental energy and help them utilise their #StayHome' time.
It will have thrilling educational and fitness programmes and activities that will boost their health and vitality at home and add excitement to the distance learning experience.
Male and female students from both government and private schools from all cycles can participate in the championship with the encouragement of physical education teachers. The contest aims at maintaining the students' fitness level, motivating them to practice physical activities on a daily basis at home, and providing a competitive and entertaining environment among them through their participation and representation of their respective schools in the competition.
Three winners from each cycle will be selected and announced on May 28.
Dr Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, assistant undersecretary of the care and activities sector at the Ministry of Education, said: "In an effort to maintain the students' fitness and activity level along with our full commitment to the precautionary measures taken by the country to contain the coronavirus, the Ministry of Education is keen on putting students' physical and mental energy to productive use, allowing them to achieve the maximum possible benefit from their stay at home, and make the best use of their valuable time. This is achieved by designing and launching exciting educational and fitness initiatives and activities that benefit their health and add more fun to their successful distance learning experience."
Aisha Alsiri, director of health and physical fitness department at the Ministry of Education, said: "The remote Emirati School Fitness Championship, which comes after the recent success of the stay home sports day event, represents a part of an ongoing approach, through which the ministry seeks to meet the needs and aspirations of Emirati school students, and their passion for sports activities. It aims to take advantage of the modern technologies that allow students to participate in the championship and compete in competitions remotely, reflecting a new rich experience worth pursuing to gain positive outcomes."
How it works out
Students from all cycles can participate in the remote fitness championship by registering via the dedicated link, and then performing the required exercises within 30 seconds, with the highest possible number of repetitions, and recording the workouts on video using mobile phones, tablets, computers, or cameras. Schools across the country can participate in the championship with the highest possible number of students.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com