More than 150 budding football champions representing leading organisations in the capital are set to embark on the second Ramadan football tournament organised by the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, in partnership with Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy.

The event’s official sponsor, Mubadala, leads the eight teams through the friendly, five-night tournament (that kicks-off this evening, September 6 until September 10 2009) in a collaborative effort to highlight the importance of exercise to protect against diabetes.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has suggested that the equivalent of 23 million years of life is lost each year to diabetes, worldwide and that regular exercise can help combat this trend.

The eight teams joining Mubadala in the seven-a-side series include Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies, the National Insurance Company – Daman, Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments Co LLC (ADASI), Injazat, Etihad Airways, Takatof, as well as a team representing the tournament organiser, ICLDC.

According to ICLDC’s Dr Maha Taysir Barakat, Medical & Research Director, Consultant Endocrinologist, the UAE has the second highest prevalence of diabetes in the world with the figures expected to double by year 2025. She also stressed the importance of an active lifestyle for a healthy life.

“Team sport, such as football, is an excellent way of increasing physical activity, while also having fun,” she said, adding that just 30-minutes of exercise, five days a week will significantly help in the fight against diabetes. This includes a brisk walk for those unable to participate in a team activity.

“ICLDC’s public health awareness campaign, Diabetes. Knowledge. Action, continues its crucial message for the UAE. We emphasise that exercise can help prevent and manage diabetes.

"This Community Football Tournament allows the voice of organisations and their team members to join in the conversation on national health and lifestyle concerns. It is an opportunity for organisations to increase awareness among their employees, encouraging them to also play an active role in combating health management challenges."

The tournament is expected to attract more than 1,000 supporters representing family, friends and colleagues of the players.

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