Winners from Al Muhallab School play against Al Wasl Football Club
Organizers bring the Fat Truth Campaign to Modhesh World Sports Zone
The culmination of the football competition organized under the umbrella of The Fat Truth campaign by the Ministry of Health and The United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, hosted its finals in the Sports Zone of Modhesh World in collaboration with Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Dubai Sports Council.
“The schools football competition and the match between Al Wasl club and the winning school aimed at encouraging children and youths to engage in physical activities and to stay fit and healthy while enjoying their favorite sports,†said Mayada Wahsh, Programme Officer, UNICEF Gulf Area. ““It is a perfect collaboration to host the match at Modhesh World as it helps us attract a big number of children and youths who are our main target,†she added.
The match between Al-Wasl club and Al Muhaallab team is the finale of the football competition that took place between eight local schools under the umbrella of “The Fat Truth†campaign with the aim to raise awareness on childhood obesity in the UAE. Obesity is directly linked with a number of non-communicable diseases, which constitute 60% of global deaths and almost half of the global burden of disease. Over 70% of Emirati nationals and around 12% of children in the UAE are overweight. Obesity leads to several complications such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which turn up to be the leading causes of death in the United Arab Emirates.
Ahmed Al Sharif, General Secretary, of Dubai Sports Council said, “The Ministry of Health and UNICEF are doing commendable work in different areas and it is an honor to be a part of their campaign. This campaign is very important to us as we also work towards the betterment of the community and children by stressing on the importance of healthy lifestyle which includes sports and daily physical activities.â€
Al Mohallab School, that won the championship against 7 other competing schools to take the cup, had the once in a lifetime opportunity to compete against the popular Al Wasl Club. Al Wasl club has amongst its members players of the national Team. Ahmed Hassan who is a Natioanl Player was also part of the Al Wasl team for this match.
Ahmed Ali, Supervisor of Modhesh World said, “This event emphasizes the importance of Modhesh World as a platform for the Ministry of Health and an international organization such as UNICEF to spread social messages amongst children. It also highlights the efforts of government departments in Dubai by being part of an important social cause.â€
Al Mohallab School reigned champions in a hotly contested match. Winning by a huge margin of 3 goals, the celebrations were endless for Al Mohallab. Ahmed Al Sharif and Ahmad Ali, Manager, Modhesh World, gave away the prizes.
The eight schools that participated in the competition were: Al Muhallab School, Al Maktoum School, Al Shafei School, Al Ahmed Bin Rashed School, Mohammed Nour School, Al Razi School, Al Ahmadeya School, and the Al Badr School which was the runner up in the series. Players’ age varied between 12 and 14 years old.
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