Abu Dhabi students walked 48 million steps in Daman's initiative to combat child obesity

Daman's initiative encouraged 4,000 students, from 40 schools across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, to walk more than 47 million steps collectively.

Earlier this month, Daman launched the '1.5 Million Steps' competition to 4,000 students aged 11-16 years from 40 schools across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The aim of the '1.5 Million Steps' initiative was for each student to exceed the recommended 10,000 daily steps in order for each school to collectively walk 1.5 million steps over the two days.

Daman distributed 4,000 pedometers which were used over the period of the competition to register the number of steps taken per day. Consequently, the three schools that most exceeded the 1.5 million steps mark were awarded along with their students who have walked the most and their sports coaches.

Dr. Michael Bitzer, Daman's Chief Executive commented on the initiative, "The initial outcome was outstanding. Over the two day period, 4,000 children registered a remarkable number of more than 48 million steps. We hope that this competition has triggered a lasting ripple effect that would encourage youngsters and their families to adopt a healthier lifestyle."

The awards ceremony was attended by Daman's Senior Management, parents and representatives of the competition's leading schools: Al Bateen Model School who came in first place followed by the Abu Dhabi Indian School in second place and Al Ittihad Model School in third place. Dr Jad Aoun, Chief Medical Officer of Daman, handed over the prizes to the winning contestants and their coaches.

Students Abdullah Ahmad Ali Al Hosani, Zahid Ahmad and Obaid Naji Al Amri were awarded an iPod each for their individual accomplishments as they walked the most registered steps from each school respectively. Daman also awarded the coaches Mr. Hassan Rizk, Mr. Akram Ahmad Al Sayed and Mr. Jeypaul Raj with mountain bikes in appreciation for their support of the students and the initiative as a whole.

Dr. Michael Bitzer concluded, "We would like to thank the Abu Dhabi Education Zone for their vast role in bringing forth this initiative, and hope that through future collaborations; we are able to introduce more similar youth-based initiatives."