Dubai Women’s College (DWC) hosted its Health and Physical Education (HAPE) Week, from February 7 – 11, 2010 on its state of the art campus premises. As the key factor to improving student confidence, brainpower and long-term health, physical education has been introduced in the HCT system through visionary leadership of DWC Director Dr. Howard Reed, who focused on raising awareness among the youth of UAE of the importance of healthy living, as well as academic success. His goal of educating the “whole person” is DWC’s contribution to combating high rates of diabetes and heart disease in the UAE.
The HAPE week is dedicated to all DWC students, their parents and sisters inviting them to participate in a variety of sports and recreation activities. Three tournaments and approximately 25 sports and recreational activities will be conducted, including a fun run and an aerobics event at the beginning and end of each day. The “Outdoor Adventure Quest Low Ropes Course” will be featured this year as well. HAPE staff will also organize and implement tournaments in Volleyball, Badminton and Hockey and Indoor Rock Climbing. Students from various HCT women’s colleges are also invited to take part in the HAPE Week.
Brian Keenan, Dean of Foundations, Diploma - Health and Physical Education Division said, “At Dubai Women’s College, we believe that we have a responsibility to graduate students with a healthy mind and a healthy body. This is why we created the Health and Physical Education (HAPE) department.” Today, a healthy eating awareness program and physical education programs are embedded in the academic curriculum. Throughout this semester, every week, over 1000 students attend classes in the Fitness Centre. Abela, the college caterer, is an active partner in the program. All the meals prepared on campus by Abela are trans-fat free and no chocolate bars or fizzy drinks are sold on campus. “Health and Physical Education Week, is a celebration of the college’s commitment to health and fitness through fun-filled sporting activities and a focus on health-related issues,” he pointed out.
Amina Taher, Applied Communications Bachelor student said upon winning 1st place at the fun run said, “I had lots of fun participating and winning the 1st place at the fun race. It was very exciting to be in the race with my friends cheering me on.”
From her part, Katrina Reid, HAPE Faculty said that participation in sports can dramatically boost a student’s self-esteem. “Taking part in fitness activities will not only develop physically fit individuals but will also enhance their overall wellness, for example their interpersonal, emotional and intellectual development,” she added. Such activities are positive changes that help prepare DWC students for future challenges, the day to day stress of life and their transition into adulthood. “At Dubai Women’s College students are encouraged to participate in organized team sports which develops their social skills, their ability to work as part of a team and their problem solving skills,” she concluded.
