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Female fitness fanatics are being urged to join the Annual Zumbathon 2017 event being staged at the Gulf Hotel Convention Centre at the end of this month to dance off the weight and get healthy for a good cause.
The second charity fundraising event, which is held on November 29, was founded by Bahraini Zumba instructors and friends Fatima Bader and Buthaina Salem to give back to the community through a fun and active initiative.
Zumba Fitness is an aerobic fitness programme that incorporates fitness and dance movements inspired by Latin and international music. This year, they will be raising awareness and donating funds to Think Pink Bahrain, the breast cancer awareness campaign, and Smile of Bahrain, which supports children with cancer and their families.
Last year’s Zumbathon supported the Dream Society, another well-known charity in Bahrain which treats sick children to amazing adventures.
Fatima, 35, a company director, said: “Zumba is gaining a wide and fast popularity around the world, simply because every class feels like a party. “It is pretty much the most awesome workout ever – you get to dance to great music, with great people, and burn a ton of calories without even realising it!”
Although four basic rhythms are used for the exercise routine - Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia and Reggaeton - Belly Dance, Flamenco, Tango, Samba, Soca, Bachata, Quebradita and other music genres often get called upon.
This year’s event is being sponsored by Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and the workout will be led by three international Zumba education specialists - Sandra Harnes from the UK, Ecem Ozcan from Turkey and Zumba Jammer Rellu Pats travelling from Sweden.
Buthaina, 33, who is the head of hematology at Salmaniya Medical Complex, said: “All the proceeds and donations that we generate will aid in raising the awareness of cancer in women and children fighting cancer.
“I had a close co-worker and a cousin who struggled, fought and won the battle. They are now strong women, leading a normal life and enjoying it to the fullest. This gave me hope for all other patients out there.”
Buthaina became the first Bahraini Zumba instructor to be certified in 2012. After completing her training, she immediately got an opportunity to offer classes and hasn’t stopped.
Fatima met Buthaina through the aerobic activity and fell in love with it. She became a professional Zumba instructor two years ago and has trained in several categories.
On the day, the 120-minute workout will be followed by drinks and finger foods, samples and products from sponsors and vendors, fun activities on site, a raffle for prizes and an after party starring Bahraini singer Khalid Fouad.
Tickets to the event that are being sold at Viva shop City Centre Bahrain are priced at BD20 a person and doors will open at 5.30pm.
For more events see Leisure Guide on Pages 8 & 9
