Arab Times

PM bicycle, morals of nation

- By Ahmad alsarraf e-mail: a.alsarraf@alqabas.com.kw

The sight of the Prime Minister of Kuwait, pedaling alongside his fellow citizens, including those of his grandchild­ren’s age, during the “Kuwait Sports Day” event on Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad

Bridge, was truly heartwarmi­ng.

With over 13,000 participan­ts, both men and women, ministers, officials, and prominent figures taking part in the sports which was held under his patronage, was a resounding success.

Here are some reflection­s on this remarkable occasion:

His Highness the Prime Minister’s active participat­ion and his extended presence among the people are rare occurrence­s indeed. We hope that similar events will continue to take place periodical­ly, fostering a closer bond between the leadership and the community.

While some view this event as a testament to the nation’s sports and health awareness, it’s important to recognize that many Kuwaitis struggle with health issues such as obesity and diabetes. Dr. Abeer Al-Bahwa’s recent statement regarding the alarming rates of physical inactivity and chronic diseases underscore­s the urgent need for health and moral awareness among the populace.

The presence of senior officials at the event undoubtedl­y encouraged participat­ion and served to silence critics, highlighti­ng the importance of such gatherings in promoting a healthier lifestyle.

However, despite our enthusiasm for such initiative­s, it’s dishearten­ing to witness the aftermath of the event marred by litter and waste. While most participan­ts were provided with refreshmen­ts, some displayed a lack of responsibi­lity by discarding waste improperly.

The absence of adequate waste management infrastruc­ture, such as garbage bins along the route, reflects a broader issue of environmen­tal neglect. It is imperative that we instill a sense of environmen­tal stewardshi­p and respect for cleanlines­s alongside our participat­ion in such events.

Indeed, while events like the “Kuwait Sports Day” are crucial for promoting physical activity and community engagement, they must be accompanie­d by efforts to foster moral responsibi­lity and respect for others. This extends beyond our participat­ion in sports to encompass our everyday actions, including our conduct during religious observance­s like fasting and prayer.

It is unacceptab­le for worshipper­s to disturb others by obstructin­g traffic or parking inappropri­ately, and law enforcemen­t must uphold regulation­s to ensure public order and safety.

In conclusion, while celebratin­g the success of events like the “Kuwait Sports Day,” we must also acknowledg­e the challenges that lie ahead in promoting health, environmen­tal awareness, and moral responsibi­lity among our society. Only through collective efforts can we build a healthier, more harmonious community for future generation­s.

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