FIFA: Embrace healthy lifestyles, WHO urges players, coaches
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged players and coaches to be advocates of good health and embrace healthy lifestyles.
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The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus made the call during the First Steering Committee of the Partnership: Health FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
He said there is an opportunity to leverage the power and popularity of football to make a meaningful difference to the health of many people.
“Of course, we are all looking forward to the World Cup. But our horizon must be longer – we have an opportunity to leverage the power and popularity of football to make a meaningful difference to the health of many people:
“Through Health For All, and advising people to lead a healthy lifestyle. Nobody can be listened to more than the stars for millions and billions; by promoting physical activity, including through the use of digital technology;
“And through the Behaviour for Development initiative, which is using behavioural science to drive policy change and social impact.
“We need to mobilise players and coaches to advocate for health for all and lead healthy lifestyles.
“And to share advice and guidance to football fans to help them stay safe, keep physically active and make healthier lifestyle choices.
“Together, we can use the power of football on and off the pitch to inspire and mobilise the five billion football fans around the globe to reach people before, during, and after the FIFA World Cup,” Ghebreyesus said.
The WHO chief thanked FIFA’s President, Gianni Infantino for FIFA’s commitment to healthier and safer sport.
“Sport can reach billions. The estimate is five billion. This partnership is going to make a significant impact,” the WHO DG added.
MTO/Punch
