DUBAI - Over 10,000 students from over 250 schools in the UAE took part in a painting and quiz competition on Friday to mark the Anti-Obesity day that falls on November 26.
The Indian High School, the venue for the event, turned into a large painting canvas as students, aged between 3 and 15, used their brushes creatively to colour and paint different themes.
Organised by the Indian Association in Dubai and VLCC who offers weight-loss programmes, the large-scale event held for children for the first time was aimed at increasing awareness on healthy eating habits, among children and adults.
“This is the first time we are organising a painting competition for children to raise awareness on obesity. We gave them booklets on healthy eating and also had counselling sessions for children and parents on how they can adopt a healthy lifestyle,” said Sanjeev Setia, general manager of Marketing Services of VLCC.
Students were also able to get a free analysis of their body composition and had counselling on how to eat healthy. They were also handed booklets on how to avoid obesity.
“I never eat junk food and believe that a balanced diet will help us lead better lives,”said Sruthin Shashidaran, a grade VII student, who painted a beach party scene.
Echoing similar thoughts, Fatima Arshad Mehmoud of grade III, said children should avoid junk food.
preeti@khaleejtimes.com