Muscat – The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MCSY) organised an initiative called ‘Our Goal is to Walk’ aimed at promoting physical activity and enhancing public health through walking in Muscat governorate on Saturday.

The ‘Gayatina Namshi’ (Our Goal is to Walk) initiative is part of the Summer Sports Programme organised by MCSY in Muscat.

Ppen to all members of society, with a special focus on Omani women’s associations and individuals with disabilities, the event saw participation from 400 individuals and involved six Omani Women’s Associations in Bawshar, Al Qurum, Seeb, Amerat, Sadab, and Muttrah, along with 11 volunteer teams.

Ahlam Rashid al Khamisia, member of the Summer Sports team in Muscat, explained that the initiative builds upon idea that many mothers, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities often face challenges such as lack of dedicated walking facilities and hot weather conditions, which hinder outdoor physical activities. “Commercial centers provide an ideal alternative due to their cool indoors, essential amenities like restrooms, seating areas, and cafes.”

She added that the primary goal of the event was to promote the importance of physical exercise and integrate it into daily life. “It also aimed to foster partnerships with both private and government sectors, propagate walking as a simple and accessible sport enjoyed in a familial and social setting.”

Ahlam further informed that women are pivotal within families, and instilling the habit of walking in their lives can positively impact their family members. “Moreover, integrating people with disabilities into sports programmes is a societal duty, making this event particularly significant for them.”

Mona bint Salim al Nasiriyah, head of the Youth Initiatives Team participating in the initiative, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. She highlighted how the initiative provides an excellent opportunity for mothers, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities to utilise the facilities provided by commercial centers and engage in physical activities in a comfortable and safe environment.