The Friends of Diabetes Association, one of the health-promoting organizations under the Health Education Department of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, organized today Saturday the ‘Blue Running’ event in conjunction with the World Diabetes Day which is observed on November 14 every year and as part of the ‘Blue Circle’ initiative in solidarity with people with diabetes.

Several awareness-raising activities were held on the sidelines of the main event to raise people’s awareness about diabetes.

Kicked off from the University City of Sharjah, the race saw the participation of more than 800 persons from various nationalities and ages, and employees of Sharjah’s public and private institutions. With attendance of HE Khawla Al-Haj, Head of the Friends for Diabetes Association, Abdullah Sultan Bin Khadem, Executive Director of Sharjah Charity Association, Abdullah Ali Ghanim Al Muhairi, Director of the ERC Branch in Sharjah, and Saeed Al Ajil, Deputy Secretary General of Sharjah Sports Council. Dr. Ilham Al-Amiri, Vice-President of the Association, and a number of members of the Association, and volunteers.

Additionally, former runners and champions from sports clubs in Sharjah took part in the race, where the Friends of Diabetes Association honored winners of the first three places in the race, in addition to handing out in-kind prizes for all participants to motivate them the engage in physical activity.

Sport is a Lifestyle for Disease Prevention

HE Khawla Al-Haj, Head of the Friends for Diabetes Association, said: “The Association was keen to start its activities of celebrating the World Diabetes Day by organizing the ‘Blue Running’ to highlight the importance of sports and physical activity and in a bid to make running and other sport activity a lifestyle for diabetes prevention.”

“Since its inception under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, the Friends of Diabetes Association is launching annual initiatives and campaigns to elevate health awareness in the society and to support patients by encouraging them to practice sports,” added Al-Haj.

She thanked Sheikha Jawaher’s constant support and follow-up which enabled the Association to achieve its sought-after objectives and to access all targeted groups.

Concluding her remarks, Al-Haj thanked and appreciated those who supported and sponsored the event, lauding their key role in strengthening social responsibility values through adopting such type of awareness campaigns including; Sharjah Police Headquarters, Sharjah Charity International, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Sharjah Women's Sports, Sharjah University City Campus Management, Sharjah Municipality, Maliha Municipality, Sharjah Sport Council, Sharjah Heritage Institute, Sharjah Police Academy, Al Qudra Sports Management, Sharjah Contact Center, LifeScan Johnson & Johnson, and Roche Abbott Novo Nordisk BD.

She also thanked all community members for their active participation in the events, and volunteers who spared no effort to deliver the Association’s awareness messages.

Early Diagnosis

For her part, Dr. Elham Al Amiri, Deputy Head of the Friends for Diabetes Association, said: “Our events aim to stimulate community members to practice regular exercise and adopt a healthy and balanced diet to minimize infections and diseases. The global statistics show that more than 425 million people around the world currently live with diabetes and that one out of every two persons is experiencing diabetes type 2 which is not diagnosed yet.”

“The Association is, therefore, striving to enhance people’s awareness about the importance of early diagnosis of diseases and ways of prevention through regular exercise and healthy diet as being the key pillar for preventing disease complications and achieving good health consequences,” added Al Amiri.

A Variety of Awareness-Raising and Recreational Activities

Alongside the ‘Blue Running’ event, the Friends of Diabetes Association organized a medical exhibition featuring the latest products related to the treatment of diabetes, health seminars and panel discussions by dietitians and psychiatrists, free checkups and immediate consultations.

Awareness brochures were handed out, including detailed information about the Association’s programs and events.

In addition, recreational shows and competitions were organized for children and their families to raise awareness about diabetes.

Since it was founded, the Friends of Diabetes Association is keen on organizing a variety of activities to deliver the Association’s awareness messages in terms of fighting against diseases and ways of prevention.