Families enjoy outdoor activities at Dubai Fitness Challenge

Dubai - Many parents were relieved to spend quality time with their children outdoors

Some Dubai parents are relieved that their children have forgotten their iPads and video games and have opted for outdoor activities provided by the Dubai Fitness Challenge instead.
Several activities for kids are available at Safa Park, every Friday and Saturday until November 18 - table tennis, bicycling, basketball, football, a play house, maze and trampolines are some among many.
Lizzy Sahin, a British parent of one daughter, said it's important for children to spend time outdoors.
"To be outside and doing something that's not electronically focused is great. Living in Dubai, you can become quite isolated and think about yourself and think that there's not others around. So, getting out and seeing other people doing the same thing as you is important.
"My daughter, Yayla, has had a lot of fun here today. We've done the trampoline, the maze, table tennis and basketball."
A French parent of one daughter and a son, Nathalie Etchebarne, said she ensures her children spend maximum only one hour every day on technology and the Safa Park event is a "real blessing" for all families.
"I think it's interesting to see everyone doing the exercise, not just the kids but also the adults. It's very important because we come from Europe and this topic has been really talked about over there - eating right and exercising."
An Indian mum of three, Ritu Sharma, was also relieved her children were spending some quality time outdoors with her.
"At home, they're always playing video games or their watching movies on their iPads. Here, today, there are so many things to do and it's all for free. They can ride bikes, play football and there's free water for all us. This kind of encouragement for exercising is great," Sharma said.
"Exercising for 30 minutes every day for 30 days is a fantastic idea. Even after 30 days, some people might become used to the routine and it could become a 365 days of exercising. I hope my children stick to playing sports every day like how they're doing today - that would be a dream come too. And maybe we won't have to spend too much on new fancy phones and iPads then."
A Filipina mum, Everlyn Enriques, brought her 11-year-old son with her to Safa Park for the group exercises. She said it would help both of them get fit and bond at the same time.
"It's nicer to do it as a group, because you are motivated to keep going," she said. 
- sarwat@khaleejtimes.com

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