Children are the future of a country. Their well being and health care are crucial to develop them into smart, responsible citizens. With the commendable aim of developing the bodies and minds of children, the Sport Kids Club has recently been opened in Jeddah with the approval of Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz. Located in a brightly colored two-story building next to Arab National Bank in front of Al-Haram Center, the club has a cafeteria and large hall for exercise machines and several large sports areas with space and facilities for 400 children. Mowaffaq Al-Dabbagh and his wife, Dina Bahamden, the brains behind the club, said 20 employees cater to the needs of children. They include trainers, a nutritionist, a social specialist, medical staff and administrators. The club has largely filled the need of caring for children's health and fitness, catering to girls below the age of 13 and boys under 9. “Initially, it was established as a club for women, but upon the advice of Crown Prince Sultan, it was transformed into a center specializing in children's health; something which we felt was urgently needed for the younger generation,” said Bahamden, the club's Director. Sport Kids Club not only focuses on children, but also on mothers who are trained to prepare healthy food that attracts the children. “Our aim is to teach children as well as mothers how to improve their lifestyles by practicing various sports and changing their eating habits,” Bahamden added. Highly qualified trainers from Syria, Egypt, Malaysia, Philippine, Ukraine and Russia, instruct children in various activities, such as, ballet and karate, which is accredited by the Japan Karate Association. The club also provides children with weight reduction and body sculpting programs. New activities have been made available in this club for the first time in the Kingdom, he said. Al-Dabbagh said the nutrition program differed from one child to another depending on weight, height, and age. “We submit a report to parents every month to inform them about their children's progress,” he said. “Our system is to identify when, where, and what the children like to eat and then help them adopt healthy eating habits,” said Rana Al-Rashid, the club's nutritionist. Besides exercise and nutrition programs, Sport Kids Club also provides cultural documentary programs for children on TV to broaden their minds and enrich their knowledge. “I hope one day to establish a sports city in the Kingdom that can play an important role in developing Saudi society's awareness of how physical fitness can provide a healthier and happier lifestyle,” said Bahamden. Most of them enrolling themselves in the club are Saudis,” added Al-Dabbagh. Salha Al-Joaf, a housewife who encouraged her daughter to join the club, said: “The club has changed not only my daughter's life, but also that of my family. It has taught me new and healthier eating habits.” __
