Global call to "walk for Diabetes" in the UAE

As part of their Company Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the Landmark Group, in conjunction with Rasjeed Hospital and the Ministry of Health took it upon themselves to raise awareness of diabetes in the region. Walk for Diabetes - a global call for action against diabetes came alive in Dubai on Friday 13 November as over 4,000 UAE residents took part in a 3.1km distance walkathon, held at the Oasis Centre, Dubai.

The Global Diabetes Walk celebrates and supports a UN resolution passed in 2006, which recognizes the global threat of the diabetes pandemic. The walk is aimed at increasing diabetes education, prevention and encourages the world to unite and deal with the diabetes pandemic, according to the World Diabetes Foundation

Once again the Landmark Group called upon the expertise of Collyer Lessick International (CLi) to plan, organise and implement this initiative with their usual level of professionalism and expertise.

A four week production period preceded the actual event, during which sight inspections took place, as well as the application of permission from the necessary Dubai Government entities such as the Dubai Municipality, Dubai Sports Council, Road & Transport Authority, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (for Balloon Release) and Dubai Police. In addition to this, CLi was given 100 Landmark Group staff as volunteers for which a training manual had to be created and staff briefed on their various responsibilities. As early as 7.30am on the day of the event participants thronged in their thousands to register for the walk at Oasis Centre. The free diabetes test centre also recorded large numbers as over 2500 people took the test between 6am and 10am on Friday which was sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, who provided the glucometers and testing strips for the test centre, while the Rashid Hospital provided the medical experts to operate centre.

Ensuring that the venue and event were ready and set-up, CLi had to communicate & coordinate with the various departments, sponsors and brief suppliers on the exact description and requirements as far as sponsored items were concerned. CLi also had to liaise with the International Diabetics Federation in Belgium to obtain the video footage that was shown on the day, as well as arrange for a photographer and videographer to cover the event as a 30 second edit had to be aired that same evening.

On the day of the event, the VIP area, lighting, staging and audio-visual equipment as well as the registration and T-shirt and caps distribution tables, level testing and water distribution stations, the balloon arches and the ‘FunCity' Kiddies corner with stilt walkers, face painting and jugglers was efficiently and timeously set up.

Once the ribbon cutting ceremony had taken place, DJ Moe did the count down to the simultaneous confetti blasts and balloon release of the two arches which marked the beginning of the walk. Prior to the start of the walk the Dubai Drums were generating much of the hype and electric atmosphere with their powerful beat and energy levels.

On completion of the walk, participants were given the blue Beat Diabetes wrist bands and treated to delicious sandwiches and freshly squeezed juice at the various sandwich stations which culminated in the formal presentations and prize-giving ceremony.

By taking part in this fun-filled family day, everyone had the opportunity to raise awareness about the need for worldwide action. At the same time it directs attention to a low-cost physical activity and emphasises the importance of living a healthy life style, which is a vital part of treatment for patients with diabetes and hypertension.

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On behalf of the entire management & staff of the Landmark Group, I wish to express my profound gratitude for helping us with the event management for Beat Diabetes Walkathon.

The Walkathon and free diabetes tests were remarkably successful. For this reason, I strongly believe that together we have started what seems to be the largest diabetes awareness movement in the UAE. Your team has worked tirelessly in making this event a success & our deep appreciation goes out to each one of them.

The outcome of your support has made a difference to each person who got better informed or established susceptibility to diabetes, as a result of the campaign and free diabetes tests.

Thank you once again for your support; we look forward to continuing our partnership & working with your team, as we work together to Beat Diabetes.

Best Regards

Micky Jagtiani
Chairman
Landmark Group