Zanzibaris celebrated the New Year 2015 by launching the National Physical Fitness Day (NPFD) to encourage individuals keep their bodies healthy by doing frequent exercises.
The launch, officiated by President Ali Mohamed Shein, was held at the Amaan Stadium after early morning three-kilometre walk from Miembeni-Tumbaku ground to the stadium.
“Let everyone of us keep our bodies fit by attending to frequent exercises. This will also minimise contracting the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD), which are on rise,” said Shein in his brief speech.
He said that engaging in body exercises was also an opportunity to promote the dwindling sports in the Islands. President Shein said: “It is time to revive Zanzibar’s good position in sports as it used to be in the past.”
The physical fitness gathering was also an opportunity for Shein to continue condemning gender based violence, saying everyone in the islands should play a crucial role to end the problem.
Ameir Mohammed Makame from the NPFD organising team said: “We have launched the national physical exercise to encourage all people to engage in frequent body exercises to keep fit.”
He said health experts warn that body inactivity contributes to non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart problems. The National Physical Exercise Day will be held every January 1.
By ISSA YUSSUF, Tanzania Daily News