MUSCAT: A community-wide walking event was held yesterday at Muscat Mall as part of the Summer Sports Programme in Muscat. The event saw a wide participation from community members, with more than 400 individuals taking part. The focus of the event was on supporting Omani women and persons with disabilities, with participants covering a distance of over two kilometres.
Several associations and diverse sports teams participated in the event, including the Omani Women's Association in Bousher, Qurum, Seeb, Al Amerat, Sadaa, and Muttrah, alongside specialised teams like the Happiness Ambassadors Voluntary Team for Persons with Disabilities and the Falcon Sports Team for trails.
Ahlam Bint Rashid Al Khumaisiya, a sports activity specialist and member of the Muscat Summer Sports team, explained that this initiative builds upon previous efforts, highlighting commercial centres as suitable alternatives due to their amenities such as cooling systems, essential facilities like restrooms, seating areas, and cafes, making them conducive environments for physical activity in hot weather.
Al Khumaisiya added, "The aim of this event is to instill the importance of physical exercise and promote it as a lifestyle concept, fostering community partnerships with the private sector and government entities, and spreading the culture of walking as one of the simplest, most accessible forms of exercise in family-friendly and social atmospheres."
Al Khumaisiya also invited everyone to participate in these activities, emphasising a special focus on Omani women's associations and individuals with disabilities, underscoring their integral role in society and their deserving support in community sports programs.
This event reflects the ministry's commitment to enhancing health and physical fitness across all segments of society, while positioning commercial centres as platforms to enhance sports and social activities in Oman.
Amal Al Ghamari, Adventure, Head of the Sports Committee, OWA Muscat, thanked the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth for the wonderful initiative as it aims to motivate all to engage in sports due to the physical and mental benefits of walking.
"This initiative is part of the summer programme activities, where there are no barriers that prevent one from practicing sports. At OWA, we always work towards encouraging women to prioritise sports and have a schedule at various locations. This initiative contributes to the continuity of participation with the ministry or with different sports teams. Our motto is always 'Sports for health and fitness.'
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