Sport as prevention: Haidu‑CAN Olympic Tournament begins
Dr Hessa Majid Al‑Shaheen, a member of CAN's board of directors, explained that the tournament offers an 'unconventional' path to health education by blending competitive sports with practical prevention messages. 'Sport is not a luxury,' she said, 'but an effective means of prevention—and a gateway to a healthier, more informed society.'
According to Al‑Shaheen, medical research shows that at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity can reduce the risk of certain cancers—such as colon and breast—by up to 30–40 percent. Regular exercise also plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, while boosting mental health and alleviating stress and anxiety.
KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Sanaa Al-Asfour, Dr Iman Al-Shimmari, Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, Saad Al-Houti, and Abdullah Al-Saleh are seen at the launch of the Haidu‑CAN Olympic Sports Tournament.
The Haidu‑CAN initiative aims to sustain young people's engagement in sports through interactive activities that pair athletic competition with awareness workshops. In addition to tournament matches, the program features educational sessions and support initiatives for cancer survivors.
Abdullah Al‑Saleh, Director of the Haidu‑CAN Olympics, described the event as 'a unique model' that moves beyond traditional awareness campaigns. 'We're delivering health messages in a way that resonates with youth—through experience and participation rather than indoctrination,' he said. This tournament is one of several activities organized by CAN's sports team to translate theoretical health advice into tangible, everyday practices and foster long‑term healthy habits.
Guest of honor Captain Saad Al‑Houti—a former Kuwaiti national footballer—opened the tournament with a motivational address. 'Sport is a message before it is a result,' he told participants, praising CAN's efforts to empower youth as ambassadors of prevention. 'Such initiatives strengthen the role of sports in community building and give young people the chance to drive positive change.'
The tournament's opening night drew a large, enthusiastic crowd. Over the coming days, the Haidu‑CAN Olympics will continue with mini‑tournaments, educational meetings and health‑focused competitions designed especially for young athletes.
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