Culture & Education | Sunday 7 February, 2016 3:53 am |

The National Health Insurance Company- Daman’s pioneering initiative, aimed towards raising awareness about childhood obesity and encourage physical activity saw 680 students from 16 schools participate in the programme in its third season.

The programme seeks to engage with children aged eight to ten by harnessing the sporting talents and equipping them with skills needed to live a fit and healthy lifestyle.

“As a community, we need to take ownership and responsibility for our own health and well-being. At Daman we want to facilitate the wider community to get active. Our objective is to instil the habit of fitness and wellness amongst the younger generation and bring about positive changes to their lifestyle, by educating them about the importance of healthy eating and physical exercise,” said Dr Sven Rohte, Chief Commercial Officer, National Health Insurance Company – Daman.

Students from each school were divided into groups. Each group participated in interactive nutrition sessions with Daman’s nutritionist, and polished up their football skills with the coaches from Al Wahda Football Club.

The interactive nutrition session covered two areas – the dangers of sugar and hydration. Students first enjoyed a briefing on what foods and nutrients are needed to maintain a good, healthy body of an athlete. Participants discussed meal-plans, foods to avoid, and which should be increased in their diet. Students learned about the importance of hydration and the role electrolytes play in their bodies. They then participated in a workshop where they learnt to make their own healthy sports drink.

The second part of the session revolved around the dangers of sugar and artificial sweeteners. Students discussed the benefits of choosing fresh juice over the ready-to-drink juices. Participants played a game where they had to guess the number of sugar cubes in a various snack products and drinks.

“The children have really enjoyed the interactive sessions. They have enjoyed the engagement, and we find that this is a good way to not just get the message across but also for them to retain what they have learned,” said, Areen Abuhejleh, Nutritionist and Programmes Marketing Executive, National Health Insurance Company – Daman.

At the end of each such session, two lucky students were selected to go into the final pool, while all 32 participating students from each school were rewarded with a certificate from the coaches of Al Wahda Football Club, and

Daman’s selected sports and physical activity strategic partner.

This initiative also incorporates the inter-school football programme – Super 11, in which the 11 best players from a large pool are recognized for their individual abilities, irrespective of their school’s group performance.

Sessions were conducted in collaboration with Al Wahda Football Club, which provides logistical support including venue, training and coaching staff; and Eintracht Frankfurt football club, which has   been part of Daman’s Super 11 programme for three years, and thereby reiterated their commitment to develop football in the UAE. The selected Super 11 students will attend soccer camps with Eintracht Frankfurt Football Academy coaches.

Students participating in the third season underwent eight weeks of training with coaches of Al Wahda Football Club, in preparation for the ‘Final Test’, which was when the Super 11 were selected.

The campaign culminated with the Super 11 being announced on January 14, 2016. The selected Super 11 will have the opportunity to train at one of the best facilities in the country: the Al Wahda Football Academy, under the guidance of its key staff for six months, and also attend soccer camps with Eintracht Frankfurt Football Academy coaches in January and March next year. Al Wahda Football Academy has thrown up some of the best talent and supported the national team with the best footballing talent from across the UAE and beyond.