Two win cars; 45,000 residents participate in two-week campaign; Yalla Walk Campaign concludes

The largest health awareness campaign of Dubai Municipality, “Yalla Walk’’ concluded on Saturday at Al Mamzar Park. Eng. Hussein Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, Ibrahim Abdul Malik Secretary General of General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare and other senior officials of the Municipality were present on the occasion.

Kicked off on March 5 at Al Safa Park, the initiative attracted over 45,000 residents from different walks of life. The walking track initiative was aimed to promote the benefits of daily walking.

The grand prizes of two cars for walking the largest distance during the campaign were won by Yahya Qabbani in the men's category and Naziya Latif in the women's category respectively. In addition to that 28 people who actively participated in the campaign were honoured with various other prizes. Nine lucky draws were also conducted on the occasion.

The campaign introduced to the public the 23 walking tracks developed by the civic body at different public parks across the emirate. However, the activities of the campaign were staged at Al Mamzar, Zabeel and Al Barsha parks and Al Khawaneej Walking Track. The campaign included various activities that aimed at attracting all members of families.

Eng. Hussein Nasser Lootah, Director General of the Municipality said the programme raised awareness among the people on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

"The vibrant cosmopolitan city of Dubai is committed to developing and supporting a culture and environment for walking as a safe and enjoyable experience for health and recreation,” he added.

Lootah said regular walking improves fitness, posture, muscle tone, strength and flexibility and also reduces risk of developing heart diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis and some cancers.

"Other benefits include lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing risk of falls and other injuries, and also an opportunity to meet people in the neighbourhood," he pointed out.

Obaid Salem Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for International Affairs and Partnerships Sector said the campaign was open to people of all nationalities and age groups, as the focus was on the promotion of the walking tracks and making it one the most prominent projects.

"The two-week health campaign attracted residents with 12,000 prizes and 40,000 giveaways, including LCD TVs, home theatres, Black Berry phones, play stations, i-Pads, MP3 Players, i-Pods, over 10,000 kids toys and sports wears and equipment,” he elaborated.