Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Abdullah Rafiu, has announced plans to establish outdoor gyms in all islands across the Maldives to build a healthier society. After signing an agreement to establish outdoor gyms and fitness and recreation centers, Minister Rafiu stated that outdoor gyms are already an essential resource widely used by Maldivian citizens. He mentioned that this time, in establishing outdoor gym facilities, they have thoroughly considered and researched ways to maintain them in a manner suitable for the Maldivian environment.
“Since the Maldives is highly susceptible to salt corrosion, which increases the chance of rusting and deterioration, we have, this time, ordered the equipment through STO after consultations between our technical team and STO’s technical team. The equipment will have a special coating that resists damage even when exposed to salt,” the Minister said. He added that the newly established outdoor gyms and fitness and recreation centers would serve as a resource to prevent non-communicable diseases. “These will be facilities that help keep us away from diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, and such,” the Minister stated.
The Minister said that such facilities would strengthen community bonds. He emphasized that the ministry would always work tirelessly to fulfill the President’s vision. The Minister stated that the completion of these projects would be expedited through collaboration with state-owned companies. As part of the effort to establish outdoor gyms on all islands by the end of next year, a total of 102 outdoor gym projects have been assigned to state-owned companies, including 71 projects entrusted to HDC. Additionally, seven outdoor gym establishments are underway through private companies.
It has been decided to assign the establishment of 41 more outdoor gyms this year and next year.
