13^thNovember, 2015 –The Sixth Annual Beat Diabetes Walk saw the overwhelming participation of more than 9000 residents (including 3500 kids from various schools) in a bid to raise awareness about the condition and promote the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

Commenting on the Sixth edition of the walk, Saikat Mishra, General Manager Landmark Group Qatar said: “We are grateful to the people of the Qatar and the wider region who stepped out of their homes to join the Beat Diabetes Walk. This year, over thousands of people in India and across the GCC region will walk to show their support for diabetes awareness and we hope each one of them is inspired to make small lifestyle changes to either prevent or manage the condition.”

“We thank the Qatar Diabetes Association & local authorities for encouraging and wonderfully supporting suchcommunity events, particularly Aspire Zone Management.

Dr Abdulla Al Hamaq , Director Qatar Diabetes Association: “The Qatar edition of the walkathon supports QF’s mission to foster a progressive society while addressing immediate social needs. Diabetes is a lifestyle condition that can be managed if detected early. We look to emphasise the importance of regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle.

“As this condition can impact any member of the family at any age, it is important to be alert and take the right step to safeguard health. Landmark is an integral part of the community and we engage with millions of people every day. We are proud to play a pivotal role in enabling the community to beat diabetes through a planned, comprehensive campaign.  We are pleased with the involvement of The “Landmark Group” and we cooperate together to beat diabetes for the last six year”

Abdulla Al Khater, Events Manager at Aspire Zone Foundation, said: ““While Aspire Zone is becoming an destination for athletes from around the world, we also have an even more important role towards the local community. This involves encouraging the people of Qatar to follow healthy lifestyles through being active. We continually support activities and programmes that aim to inspire people and positively encourage them to stay healthy and fit. Our facilities are always open to welcome all those who are keen to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Starting at 3pm in afternoon, Aspire park buzzed with participants in blue T-shirts and caps. The emcees for the walkathon, stepped up the momentum with live music and entertainment specially curated to support diabetes awareness. The release of blue balloons, symbolic of the global color for diabetes awareness, signaled the start of the walkathon.

Complementing the mood, Fitness First hosted spot fitness challenges at the Fitness Zone, as well as Zumba. Participants were also provided with education on beat diabetes.

The morning included several fun components to create a carnival like atmosphere. At the Funville Kids Zone, children were entertained with fun sporting activities and flash mobs which was also conducted Fitness First.

At the arena the participants could check their sugar levels free of cost & also educated through the key aspects of diabetes management, including the importance of regular blood glucose testing and monitoring. In addition, the experts offered insightful nutritional advice on diabetes.