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"Some people do the whole fitness thing to stay healthy or look better, but I have to do it to maintain my body. If I don't, I'll deteriorate," 15-year-old Ciara Moffett told Khaleej Times.
Dubai resident Ciara was born with cerebral palsy, but that is no reason to pity her. In fact, she finds it "irritating" being babied for her disability.
When it comes to staying active, there's no stopping this girl. From horse riding to walking, and hydrotherapy to physiotherapy, most days are spent up and about. But tennis is her passion.
"Some people with this condition are wheelchair-bound from the start and others often end up in one. That's why exercise is so imperative for me. It helps build my strength."
With no choice but to stay fit and active, she said, luckily fitness is something she loves.
Since age 10, Ciara has been fully aware of what she has to do to get the best out of her body. Following a big operation at age 12, nearly resulting in her losing her foot, she has taken charge of her condition.
"Ever since that surgery, and even before, I question the doctors and ask them why and how certain things they suggest will help me. I am totally aware of myself and my condition."
Although Ciara said some people - like her brother - more severe forms of cerebral palsy than her, she does face daily issues. "I can't go up and down the stairs without an aid and I have pretty bad balance. But certain things have helped me cope."
At the age of three, Ciara took up horse riding for pleasure, but like most activities she does, it had other benefits too. "It really helps with my posture. Besides that, I do weekly hydrotherapy and physiotherapy and make it a point to walk my dog too. Anything to stay active, really."
Ciara first got into tennis for a bit of fun, but after finding a dedicated wheelchair coach in Dubai, it became a passion. "I play tennis every fortnight for about an hour and my coach really pushes me. I like that he doesn't baby me because of my condition. He treats me like a normal person," she said.
For those who constantly make excuses about not getting active, she said the Dubai Fitness Challenge is the perfect bridge to put a stop to that.
"I have to do this for the rest of my life to help me. I don't have a choice, but you do. My advice would be if you're able enough, have two legs that work - actually, even if you don't - then get active. Just go for it."
kelly@khaleejtimes.com
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