Pak cricketer helps fitness challenge brick by brick
dubai — Legendary Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi endorsed the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) initiated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at Pakistan Association Dubai (Pad) on Friday evening by volunteering to raise 1,000 bricks for the health and fitness centre at the association.
Speaking at an own a brick campaign attended by over 350 people where his foundation, the Shahid Afridi Foundation volunteered to raise 1,000 bricks for the centre, he encouraged members of the community to ensure effective physical exercise to remain active and have a healthy immune system.
The former captain of the Pakistan national cricket team also gave away two fitness watches to those who registered themselves first under Pad. The Pakistani community has taken a lead role in #Dubai30x30 by distributing 100 fitness watches among its people who register first under the banner of Pad. This was a second event collaborated on by the Shahid Afridi Foundation and Pad to raise awareness for the world’s largest community centre for overseas Pakistanis.
“I am proud to be part of this landmark project and I extend my full support even after completion of 1,000 bricks,” said Afridi. He also added that people should always come forward and contribute towards community projects.
Dr Faisel Ikram, Pad president said, “Shahid Afridi is a legend and has translated his fame into social work and community service leaving a legacy for his followers to learn from”. Dr Ikram praised the vision of the rulers of Dubai by leading the citizens from the forefront and engaging them in physical and social activities.
The evening titled ‘A Journey Towards Shahid Afridi Foundation Health and Fitness Centre; saw several interesting scenes. The highlight was a bat, shirt and a ball signed by Shahid Afridi, with the bat fetching 61 bricks, the shirt 20 bricks and a ball five bricks. The thrilling moment came when Afridi called in people from each table to join for group photos on the stage. The 37-year-old international cricketer has a huge fan base among all demographics of the Pakistani community.
The Shahid Afridi Foundation signed an MoU with Pad on February 27 this year, pledging support by 1,000 bricks for the health and fitness centre which will be named after the legend’s foundation.