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Under the continued patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre’s (ICLDC) hopes to engage more than 20,000 participants in its Walk 2018, the annual wellness event which highlights the benefits of healthier lifestyle choices across the Emirates, supported by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC).
Now in its 12th year, Walk 2018 takes place at Yas Marina Circuit on Friday, 16 November from 2pm, welcoming families and friends of all ages to join a 5km wellness walk encouraging more regular physical activity by residents of the UAE. ICLDC, in collaboration with other members of Mubadala’s network of healthcare providers including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Healthpoint, will encourage the thousands of anticipated participants to join in range of dynamic activations including Zumba demonstrations, trampolines, bubble football, gladiator challenges, badminton and fitness sessions.
“Walk 2018 harnesses the power of the Abu Dhabi community to proactively address the increasing incidence of diabetes in the UAE, taking positive steps together to embrace wellbeing through active lifestyle choices,” said Lawrence Patrick, Chief Executive Officer at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC). “Attracting a wider and more engaged audience every year, Walk 2018 is the most visible and engaging element of ICLDC’s efforts to build awareness on prevention and management of diabetes, including the need for regular physical activity, balanced diet choices, and healthy weight management – we look forward to welcoming you to Walk 2018 on Friday, 16 November.”
As the UAE’s best-attended annual walkathon event, Walk 2018 is the cornerstone of ICLDC’s Diabetes.Knowledge.Action platform for increasing diabetes awareness in the UAE community. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), more than one million people in the Emirates live with diabetes, and the prevalence of diabetes in the UAE is increasing faster than in the other Gulf states and worldwide. Authorities anticipate that the number of people with diabetes in the UAE will double to 2.2 million by 2040 (https://www.icldc.ae/about-us/p/UAE-Diabetes-Trends).
“Our collaboration with ICLDC on Walk 2018 underscores our commitment towards achieving our vision of a “healthier Abu Dhabi”, we are proud to work alongside ICLDC to further develop a sustainably healthy and engaged community in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi; one that takes responsibility for positive lifestyle choices such as regular physical activity and balanced diet choices. Together, we can take steps toward a future with fewer of the social and economic challenges caused by chronic diseases, including diabetes,” H.E Mohamed Al Hameli, Undersecretary of Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH)
“Awareness and action are among the most powerful tools to address the public health challenge posed by diabetes, and we are resolute supporters of Walk 2018 as a platform which delivers both of these beneficial outcomes for the UAE community,” said HE Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC).
Register today for Walk 2018 at https://www.premieronline.com/event/walkon2018 – entry is AED 10 for participants aged 16 and above. For more information please visit: http://www.walkon.ae/ or:
• Facebook: /DiabetesUAE
• Instagram: @Start_Walking
• Twitter: @Start_Walking
• Hashtag: #WalkOn
