Thousands of health enthusiasts ranging from all walks of life, including children, women and youth representing all nationalities, turned out in large numbers at the World Walking Day hosted by BankMuscat in partnership with the international Sport for All under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Taimur bin Assad al Said at Al Sahwa Gardens, Seeb yesterday. A festive mood prevailed at the park as the participants united in the walk for healthy living and to make a difference in the lives of people across the world. Present on the occasion were senior government and private sector representatives. The celebration included entertainment and attractive prizes to the public participating in the walk.
Adding to the festivities, BankMuscat also hosted al Mazyona draws for monthly, weekly and Children’s Account winners. HH Sayyid Taimur bin Assad al Said picked the two lucky monthly winners who received RO 20,000 each. The lucky 12 weekly winners covering all regions of Oman received RO 2,000 each.
HH Sayyid Taimur bin Assad al Said expressed deep appreciation for the World Walking Day in Oman. “Today when we walk to raise awareness on the benefits of walking, we are contributing to building a healthy future. By walking, we not only improve our health but also help in raising awareness on a healthy lifestyle. Together, we can build a healthy world for ourselves and future generations. I congratulate BankMuscat and the Sport for All in organising the annual World Walking Day which reiterates the determination and commitment of Oman in promoting healthy living.”
Waleed al Hashar, DGM – Corporate Banking, said: “BankMuscat is proud to join the country in promoting a healthy lifestyle, aimed at celebrating and promoting health through sport. The partnership with Sport for All initiative highlights the importance given by the bank to promoting healthy living. A healthy lifestyle contributes to a healthy society and the overall progress and development of the country. This is an important occasion and we thank all participants for joining the walk and contributing to a healthy society. Investing in walking is a great payoff to improve one’s health and performance.”
Ahmed bin Abdullah al Khonji, Chairman of Sport for All in Oman, said: “The World Walking Day involving all segments of society helps in raising awareness on the importance of sport in general and walking in particular to improve health.
The attention to this aspect reflects the level of development of people and nations. The Sultanate ever since the Renaissance has given attention to sports, encouraging all segments of society to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The country launches various initiatives to promote health through sport and physical activities, especially for children and youth. We are thankful to BankMuscat for the support and participation in organising the World Walking Day.”
The event highlighted the importance of physical activity and human health and the role of organisations in promoting a healthy lifestyle around the world. Well-known sports personality Khalil Balushi highlighted the importance of sports and healthy living on the occasion. He urged the participants to follow a healthy diet and regular exercise to check chronic illnesses. Regular walking can provide significant health benefits, he added.
The Association for International Sport for All (TAFISA) aims to bring joy, health, social interaction, integration and development to communities and citizens around the globe through the promotion of Sport for All and physical activity. Walking as a mass phenomenon occupies a dominant place in the world of active living. Taking into account the many benefits of walking to people of all ages, TAFISA launched the World Walking Day in 1991 to present walking as a worldwide movement above all as a means against obesity and inactivity.
Oman is a member of TAFISA. Every year since 1991, millions of participants around the world take to the streets to share in the World Walking Day. TAFISA member organisations from every corner of the globe organise walking events to promote and benefit from being physically active. The day is open to citizens of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and genders.