Sharjah24: The eleventh marathon organized by The Friends of Arthritis Patients (FOAP), a health-supporting association affiliated with the Health Promotion Department of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, concluded on Sunday evening. The event saw more than 5000 participants from different age groups and nationalities. The marathon was an integral part of FOAP's agenda to create sports awareness, with a focus on raising awareness about arthritis, its causes, and prevention measures, while mobilizing support for patients and their families through community interaction.
The marathon activities witnessed the presence of Iman Rashid Saif, Director of the Health Promotion Department; Waheeda Abdulaziz, President of the Friends of Arthritis Patients, and Captain Abdulaziz Marwan Al Yahyai, Road and Transport Security Officer at the Traffic and Patrols Department of Sharjah Police; Mohammed Abdulrahman Jarwan, Senior Projects Manager - Representative Office of the Ministry of Health and Prevention; Afra Al Mashgouni, Head of the Public Relations Department at the Sharjah Sports Council; Ahmed Sultan Al Hassani, Director of the Strategy and Future Center at the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club; Hamad Al Mahmoud, Public Relations Executive at the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Mohammed Al Khayal, Senior Executive of Public Relations and Ceremonies at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Engineer Mohammed Othman from Al Bataeh Municipality, and several members of the association’s board of directors and sponsors.
Waheeda Abdulaziz expressed her delight at the overwhelming response of the public to the annual event, which the society continues to organize under the directives of the wife of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, who is keen to provide a healthy environment and support patients in Sharjah. Abdulaziz appreciated and thanked all the participants for their response to the association's awareness message about the disease.
Abdulaziz recognized the excellent cooperation extended by many government institutions and private companies, including Sharjah Police General Command, Sharjah Sports Council, Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Media City (Shams), Al Bataeh Municipality, Emirates Red Crescent, Sharjah Cooperative, and Fast Building Contracting LLC, which contributed to the marathon's success.
The effective partnership between the association and these entities helps FOAP continue its journey and enhance its programs and campaigns to spread health awareness among society members to prevent joint diseases. The marathon introduced new paths to motivate and attract the public, including a 21-kilometer running route and five stages, the first of which was a one-kilometre walk, followed by a 2.5-kilometre run and a 5-kilometre run, in addition to a 10-kilometre run, and finally a 21-kilometre run, according to the participants' age groups and motor capabilities, further sparking a competitive spirit among participants.
After the race, Waheeda honored the winners and announced the winners in the five tracks that were organized. The partner and cooperating institutions and entities were honored for their effective contribution to the marathon's success. Participants in the event praised Sharjah for its organization and hosting of major events on all occasions, with the marathon continuing its successes in attracting more competitors and the public and increasing the number of participants in its sessions.
The marathon was accompanied by many sports, awareness, and entertainment activities that focused on providing moral support and guidance to participants, encouraging them to be physically active, and distributing health awareness brochures and free medical examinations. It is noteworthy that FOAP prioritises preserving the health of citizens and residents, supporting patients, and providing treatment for them.
For an optimal experience, please
