DOHA: Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) is hosting a ‘Youth Diabetes Challenge Camp’, for young patients with Type 1 Diabetes.
The camp is taking place at Barzan Youth Centre, and for the first time, has united 36 participants aged between 12 and 15 years from Qatar and other GCC nations.
They are taking part in sport, educational, religious and leisure activities in addition to special workshops on self-empowerment and talent development.
A team of experts, coaches, nutritionists and educators are on hand at the camp until Thursday to enhance youngsters’ skills in self-care and diabetes management.
Dr Abdullah Al Hamaq, Executive Director, QDA, said, “Our aim for the camp is to empower young people affected by diabetes, help them control the disease and limit its damage through educational and moral support. We also want them to understand the importance of their role in society and encourage them to engage with others and develop their personalities.”
The National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage, Tomoh For Voluntary Work Management, Lekhwiya and Awsaj Recreation at Qatar Foundation are contributing to the camp.
Dr Al Hamaq expressed appreciation and thanks to the centre for hosting the camp for the third time. He also thanked the GCC participants and their schools for recognising the importance of educating children on diabetes and benefits of leading healthy and productive lives. He also expressed his gratitude to the camp’s official sponsor Dolphin Energy.
Mohamed Al Saadi, Manager of the camp, said: “Camps like these help young people living with diabetes to integrate into society. Those with diabetes usually do not acknowledge their problem however, once they see how well others cope with the disease, a change begins, and they start to look at their condition from a new and more positive perspective.”
The Peninsula
