As part of its key corporate social responsibility and community purpose drive, GEMS Education collaborated with the Tenth Beat Diabetes Walk which saw widespread support for the cause, and which took place at Dubai Zabeel Park.
Through this partnership young superheroes Super Sam and Super Sara who together formed SUPER KIDZ toured across six GEMS Education schools creating awareness on the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle amongst young and elders.
The walk saw many GEMS students, teachers and families participating for the cause, including attendance by GEMS Winchester school and GEMS New Millennium school.
The Beat Diabetes Walk, has been an annual feature of the Dubai fitness calendar, with thousands of Dubai residents coming forward to show their support towards the cause.
Dino Varkey, CEO of GEMS Education, said: “We are proud that GEMS Education has formed a partnership with such a worthy charity, and to support Beat Diabetes Walk in its 10th Anniversary year. The activities that took place were aimed at spreading awareness via GEMS Education schools through school activities leading up to the walk, which had many supporters from within the GEMS network. I hope our support will help to contribute to the relief of an anatomical weakness which affects so many.”
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), approximately 38.7 million adults aged 20-79 years were living with diabetes in the MENA region in 2017. Close to half (49.1%) of these cases were undiagnosed. Over two-thirds (67.3%) of adults with diabetes live in urban areas
GEMS Education in the past have promoted and supported various charitable campaigns in all public and private schools in the UAE. Through this partnership GEMS Education has advocated the importance of being healthy and adopting an active lifestyle among the teaching, parenting and school community.
The Beat Diabetes Walk spanned approximately three kilometres. Following the walk, some participants opted to check their sugar levels at the free blood glucose testing kiosks and participated in a host of complimentary activities. Stands serving healthy snacks were also set up at the venue.
