Sports activities such as the annual Ooredoo Marathon has played a significant role in helping parents “unplug” their children from electronic gadgets and video games, according to French national Jean Philippe Cretin.



Ten-year-old Enzo Cretin flashes the thumbs up sign after dominating the 3K category.

“It’s a good way to get kids healthy, out of the house, and be active rather than having them glued to the screen playing video games,” said Cretin, whose son, 10-year old Enzo, won the first prize in the 3K category.
Cretin said he was both surprised and proud of his son’s achievement since it was his first time participation in the Ooredoo Marathon.
“I am happy that he is engaged in sports such as rugby and football; sports is good for the brain, it makes him competitive, and it is an opportunity for him to enjoy the outdoors.”
Soul, who won third place in the 10K women’s category, was joined by her husband and three children. She said occasions like the Ooredoo Marathon serve as a family event where all of them could engage with other athletes and stay fit. Her daughters, Charlie, 10, and Julie, 11, won first and second place, respectively in the 3K category.
Asked about the importance of sports and its role in minimising the youth’s exposure to video games and similar electronic gadgets, 15-year old Katie Palfreeman-Watt said: “Sports is also a good way to unwind and help children focus on their studies, especially when you get older and preoccupied in exams and other school work.”
The first-timer and winner of the 5K category added: “I believe that it is important for the youth to get involved in sports; it doesn’t have to be an intense activity like sprint running, even just running around and playing tag is enough, but what is important is that it should be fun and challenging at the same time.”
But for Kenyan national, Josiah Kolum, engaging children in sports also helps them learn valuable life lessons such as determination and endurance.
“Since sports gathers people from different backgrounds, it helps children learn about culture and sharing. But what is important is that activities like running, teach children about determination and endurance, and not giving up, which is all about life,” said Kolum, who hails from the Kenyan tribe of Kalenjin in Eldoret, which, according to him, has produced 99% of Kenyan marathon winners worldwide.
Two Kalenjins, Amos Maiyo Maindi and Pamela Chepkoech Bundotich, dominated the 42K men’s and women’s categories in yesterday’s marathon.
Asked for his message to children, the 22-year old Maindi told Gulf Times: “Anything is possible; what you believe in your heart and what you set in your mind is what you will be able to do. Sports is a global (catalyst), which unites people and it encourages children to stay active. This also inspires them to concentrate and become future champions.”
For parents, Maindi added: “My advice to parents is to give their children a chance to immerse themselves in sports; talent comes natural for kids and they may be able to discover their strengths through various outdoor activities like football and other sports.”