ACTIVE KIDS, HAPPY PARENTS
Some Dubai parents are relieved that their children have forgotten their iPads and video games and have opted for outdoor activities provided by the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC).
Several activities for kids are available at Safa Park, every Friday and Saturday until November 18 — table tennis, bicycling, basketball, football, a play house, maze and trampolines are among these.
Lizzy Sahin, a British parent of one, said it’s important for children to spend time outdoors. “To be outside and doing something that’s not electronically focused is great. Living in Dubai, you can become quite isolated and think about yourself and forget that there are others around. So, getting out and seeing other people doing the same thing as you is important. My daughter, Yayla, has had a lot of fun here today. We’ve done the trampoline, the maze, table tennis and basketball.”
A French parent with two children, Nathalie Etchebarne said she ensures her kids spend only one hour every day on their gadgets and the Safa Park event is a “real blessing” for all families.
“I think it’s interesting to see everyone doing the exercise, not just the kids but also the adults. It’s very important because we come from Europe and this topic has been really talked about over there — eating right and exercising.”
An Indian mum of three, Ritu Sharma was relieved her children were spending quality time outdoors with her. “At home, they’re always playing video games or their watching movies on their iPads. Here, there are so many things to do and it’s all for free. They can ride bikes, play football and there’s free water for all us. This kind of encouragement to exercise is great,” Sharma said.
“Exercising for 30 minutes every day for 30 days is a fantastic idea. After 30 days, some people might become used to the routine and it could become 365 days of exercising or working out. I hope my children stick to playing sports every day like how they’re doing today — that would be a dream come too.”
A Filipina mum, Everlyn Enriques, brought her 11-year-old son with her to Safa Park for the group exercises. She said it would help both of them get fit and bond at the same time. “It’s nicer to do it as a group, because you are motivated to keep going,” she said.