The outdoor fitness equipment for Maldives islands, procured through financial support from the Indian government, has been handed over to the Maldivian government.
During a special ceremony that took place at the Galolhu Stadium on Monday to hand the equipment over, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, Sunjay Sudhir was joined by Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid as well as Parliament Speaker and former President, Mohamed Nasheed.
Approved by the Indian government on May 28 last year, the project is part of the 106-million grant assistance extended to the Maldives government after late External Affairs Minister late Sushma Swaraj’s visit.
Fitness and exercise are absolutely vital to living a longer and healthier life and it is for this reason that providing avenues for exercising the mind and body is an important priority for this govt. this project, the establishment of outdoor gyms solidified President Solih’s pledge to promote the importance of fitness and a healthy lifestyle by effectively broadening the reach and the scope of access to the gym to all Maldivians across all atolls, all over the Maldives. This project would inevitably motivate more fitness activities amongst local communities and revitalize the spirit of togetherness, for citizens of all ages in a pleasant outdoor environment for many years to come. I thank the government of india for their continuous and unwavering support for the people and the local communities of the Maldives by facilitating these socially impactful projects across the country. I thank High Commissioner and the team for your outstanding commitment and dedication towards Maldives-India relationship.”Abdulla Shahid, Foreign Minister
The MVR eight million project was allocated to the youth ministry to procure outdoor fitness equipment for a total of 61 islands in order to encourage Maldivians to improve their physical and mental well-being. The project is a contribution to a pledge made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during the elections, to increase access to fitness equipment and promote healthier lifestyles. It also aims to reduce the burden of fighting non-communicable diseases in the Maldives.
Under the youth ministry’s supervision, the government will carry out the transportation and the installation of the equipment.
The grant assistance aims to provides assistance towards socio-economic development projects across the Maldives.
Parliamentarians representing constituencies where the equipments will be installed, as well as other government officials and those at the High Commission of India in Malé were also in attendance at the ceremony.
