The Department of Community Development (DCD) has launched the "Fit@Home" series under the theme of “Be Active, Improve Your Immunity”. The fitness programme is part of Abu Dhabi Inspires, a series of initiatives launched by H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, that transform adversity into opportunity. Fit@Home has been developed by the Department of Community Development (DCD) and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), with the support of the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Government Support (DGS), and aimsto promote a healthy lifestyle and ensure quality life for everyone.
The first phase of this project, which is three weeks long, consists of a series of ‘desk exercises’, designed to be seamlessly integrated in everyday life and work routines. Fit@Home will be made available to the entire communityfrom the 5th of May 2020, through ADSC, DoH, DGS and DCD social media platforms: @abudhabisc, @dcdabudhabi, @dohsocial, @abudhabidgs.
Other initiatives will follow, featuring activities such as online coursesand physical activity challenges.His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, affirmed that: “Through this program, we seek to achieve the aspirations of our wise leadership to establish quality of life for every member of the community, by creating a healthy and inclusive society, encouraging individuals to lead an active lifestyle, and incorporating sports and fitness into their daily routines. The social sector plays a pivotal role in fostering a healthy environment that encourages all community members to actively participate in Abu Dhabi’s ongoing journey of development across all fields.”
The Chairman of DCD stated that:“The first phase of the programme, which includes a set of desk exercises, aims to encourage everyone to perform physical exercises during their working hours, noting the important role of this initiative in raising employees fitness levels and maintain their health during these challenging times that might have forced many individuals to become less active.”
His Excellency also highlighted that: “Adversity challenges us in new ways and encourages us to rise above and become stronger and more competitive in order to overcome any hardship, we are looking forward to the participation of the community through theFit@Home program.”
He noted that the programme will be developed further with new challenges added that will challenge the community’s fitness level and create a competitive spirit.Abu Dhabi Sports Council, which is collaborating withthe Department of Community Development on Fit@Home, is working on implementing various societal sporting initiatives that contribute to creating a healthy, active, and responsible society.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of ADSC, emphasized the importance of the ‘Fit@Home’programme,launched by DCD to encourage the community across the emirate to workout remotely.He added: "The program is an extension of the targeted programmes that aspire to embed a healthy lifestyle and work to enhance physical fitness and health, which will reflect positively on the community.”
He expressed: "We are keen to support these programmes that contributeto motivating the community to adopt a balanced lifestyle between work, sports, and health. This will create a sustainable sports culture that enhances their daily life and helps maintain a healthy lifestyle.
"Al Awani continued: "The programme is a reflection of Abu Dhabi’s leadership support for sports in the community, and their support for campaigns that add value to the community," adding: "We are proud of the programs that the Department of Community Development provided, which are in line with our plans and initiatives to increase the community’s interaction and participation in physical activities. This will help to improve our community members’ fitness levels and to maintain healthy lifestyles."
Dr.Shereena Al Mazroui, Health Promotion Manager, Community & Surveillance at Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, under DoH said: “We are pleased to collaborate with the Department of Community Development and our strategic partners to fulfill our mission and achieve the vision of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center towards the health and safety of all members of the community.
“The wellbeing of our society is our utmost priority, and we strive to maintain it through the highest levels of innovation, excellence, creative practices, and to enable sustainable healthy lifestyles for all locals and residents of the emirate. With the launch of the ‘Fit@home’programme, we look forward to encouraging the community, and provide an enthusiastic and competitive atmosphere to maintain a healthy lifestyle that will boost their mental and physical health.”