Al Sadd Sports Club: The "Healthy Neighborhood" program

Doha,March 13 (QNA) - "Healthy Neighborhood" program bus graces school for first day of initiative towards community health. Established by Al Sadd Sports Club in conjunction with one of its programs for social responsibility; 180 Degree Change inspires an innovative new program announced at a press conference two days ago. Yesterday at 10 o clock in the morning marked the commencement of the first school visit to Omar Bin Al Khattab Primary Independent Boys School. The visit began with the preparation of the designated program team at Al Sadd Sports Club. The team chosen to endorse the program was none other than the ambassador of social responsibility as well as player Wesam Rizik, CSR officer Salah Ahmed and the club mascot. They were also accompanied by Al Sadd s exclusive media sponsor for social responsibility, Al Kass TV. Once the entourage was organized they made their way to the school and were received by the Deputy Director of the schools, Mr. Ibrahim AlMohammadi, school Principle Ms.Aysha AlMusaifri along with a number of students carrying signs and welcoming the program team . Students, staff, and the team all proceeded to the main auditurim started the program with Holy Qura an and Amiri salute,then the team went to the outdoor field for a miniature game of football. It was ten minutes of excitement for the children as they were able to play with Wesam Rizik. Thereafter the "Healthy Neighborhood" team was escorted to a main auditorium where the professional player addressed the students. He spoke of the importance of exercise as well as the role it plays in building a healthy body. He also presented a simplified description of a healthy meal and good eating habits. With an attentive audience meals were then handed out. Each lunch box contained a sandwich, juice, yogurt, a healthy baked dessert and a toothbrush in support of good oral health practices. Rizik urged the children to lead a healthy lifestyle and expressed the responsibility each one must partake for themselves and serve as ambassadors for their family and the community as a whole. He continued by encouraging their parents to come to the club where they will find open doors in support of a sports family culture. To conclude the ambassador and mascot handed out three posters explaining to students how to make healthy eating choices. They wrapped up their visit by taking photos with the children and the "Healthy Neighborhood" team. Wesam Rizik, spoke of the motivation behind this program, saying "We designed the "Healthy Neighborhood" program to convey the same message of healthy eating habits as our athletes at Al Sadd s Sports Club live by. We hope that we can make a positive change towards inspiring a healthy lifestyle." He continued to say, "I call on everyone to focus on making healthy food choices, exercising regularly and adopting it as a way of life, as well as to pass on this message to every individual in society." Ibrahim AlMohammadi , the Deputy Director of the schools commented on the program by saying, "We believe that our role as teachers is not limited to only education but to exceed towards providing guidance and education. We too have a social responsibility that can significantly impact change and consolidate concepts along with habits. The initiative of Al Sadd s Sports Club is a guide for our students towards healthy living which certainly supports the attitude as a teacher. It also serves to make our task easier." She concluded by expressing her gratitude in her final remarks, "We would like to thank Al Sadd Sports Club for this special initiative." Recreational teacher as well as a coordinator of this program, Ms.Mirvt Fadhel said, "This visit was established on the concept of healthy nutrition and exercise. These components are closely associated to the presence of athletes, such as the professionals from Al Sadd Sports Club. These ties serve to create a role model within their lives. " A noteworthy point the "Healthy Neighborhood"program is a fresh approach and application that embodies Al Sadd s vision towards a healthy society. Al Sadd Sports Club is the first professional club in the Arab gulf region having adopted a social responsibility program in accordance with a systematic strategy titled, 180 Degree Change . Appointed as the first ambassador in the region earlier this season was Wesam Rizik by which he plays a prominent role in the delivery of activities and programs for various segments of society.(QNA)