Landmark Group, the region’s leading retail and hospitality conglomerate, today announced the launch of the second edition of its ‘Beat Diabetes’ walkathon, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed to further spread awareness about the condition and its causes among the wider community.
The launch ceremony at Citymax Hotel, Al Barsha was attended by Dr. Ahmed Al Sharif, Secretary-General of Dubai Sports Council, Wasim Akram, legendary cricketer and an international spokesperson for diabetes, and Vipen Sethi, CEO, Landmark Group.
In its second edition, the campaign expands to five new countries – Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and India, in addition to the UAE. In 2011, the campaign will also move to other countries where Landmark Group has a presence.
The ‘Beat Diabetes’ campaign this year will host walkathons and free blood glucose screening across all the six participating countries throughout the month of November. Wasim Akram has pledged his support to the campaign while Dubai Sports Council will be the supporting partner for the Beat Diabetes walkathon on Friday, November 12 in Dubai at the Oasis Centre mall.
Vipen Sethi, CEO, Landmark Group, said: “Diabetes is growing at an alarming rate across the globe. When we reviewed the research figures about its impact on this region last year, we realised that a high percentage of the individuals who are living with Type-2 diabetes are not even aware of the fact that they are suffering from this condition. This prompted us to take up the cause and help spread awareness about diabetes.
“As a retail network of over 900 stores across 15 markets, we realised it is also our responsibility to communicate to our customers the need for regular medical check-ups, adopting the right lifestyle and help increase awareness levels in the community. At this stage, we are focused on relaying this message through partnerships with specialist organizations and like-minded corporations.”
Dr. Ahmed Al Sharif, Secretary-General of Dubai Sports Council, said: “This is a commendable initiative from Landmark Group. We welcome such endeavours from private sector organisations not only because healthcare needs public-private partnership if the benefits are to reach everyone in the community but also this event is in line with our vision of creating a unique sports community. We are confident the ‘Beat Diabetes’ campaign will positively impact the community at large and inspire people to lead active lifestyles and adopt a balanced diet to reduce the risk of acquiring this medical condition.
“At the Dubai Sports Council, along with cultivating a strong sporting and cultural talent for the youth of the country, it is also our mission to advocate a healthy lifestyle for people to follow.”
In 2009, the Landmark Group ‘Beat Diabetes’ walkathon attracted over 5,000 people and offered free blood glucose testing service to all the participants.
Wasim Akram said: “It is good to see Landmark Group taking the initiative to continue the ‘Beat Diabetes’ campaign to the second year. I will join the ‘Beat Diabetes’ walkathon’ in Dubai on 12 November, and urge everyone in the community to come forward to support this cause. Awareness is the first step in the battle against this condition”
Wasim’s personal battle with diabetes has been a source of inspiration to several individuals. The role model cited his disciplined lifestyle and a concerted effort to observe a healthy diet as the key factors that have helped him cope with the disease.
Landmark Group has a presence across all categories within the retail sector and has diversified to areas such as hospitality and leisure.
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