Dubai, Mar 22nd, 2009 (WAM): HH Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, visited Rashid School for Boys to witness the launch of a Dubai based Balloon Club and to meet with the school Student Council.
Sheikh Majid met with a group of Dubais hot air balloon pilots at the club launch such as Tariq Al Omari, Peter Kollar and Mike Howard as well as representatives of the commercial balloon companies, including Abdulla Al Ashram, the President of the Balloon Club. The School headmaster, Glyn Kilsby, who is also an active hot air balloon pilot, explained the aim of establishing the club and the support it will give to hot air ballooning in the region. 'We are delighted that His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum has witnessed the launch of the Balloon Club, as this is a wonderful sport and a fantastic way to enjoy the areas beautiful desert scenery. I have enjoyed flying here for the last three years and forming a Balloon Club is an important step in supporting the sport,' he said. 'Many hundreds of people have also enjoyed flights with the areas commercial balloon operators and this is an important part of developing the regions tourism business. The role of the Balloon Club is to ensure the safe and regulated development of the sport, and to encourage others to enjoy the activity,' he added. Sheikh Majid concluded his visit to his former school by joining the Rashid School for Boys Student Council in their meeting to discuss the Health Awareness taking place from the 22nd to the 26th of March. The meeting covered the schools policy on Health, Fitness and Nutrition, the health benefits of organic farming as well as the launch of an anti-smoking campaign. Deputy Headmaster Mark Shahparaki said: 'Health awareness is a key part of our curriculum. We have a responsibility to make certain that our students understand the issues concerning their health. The purpose of Health Awareness Week is to give everyone the opportunity to think about how they can change their own personal habits to make healthier choices. Knowledge of such issues will not only have positive consequences for the individual but the whole society'. The school encourages a holistic approach to health education and there is a strong emphasis, throughout the year, on healthy eating, physical activity and monitoring the fitness of students. During Health Awareness Week, students will be taking part in a variety of activities in all subject areas and the whole school community will be focusing on health for the week.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2009.
