The French Embassy in Nigeria, in partnership with the French Institute of Nigeria and Paragonx commemorated Paris 2024, with a scintillating fitness hangout on Saturday.
The well-attended hangout, which had the theme “Fitness Core – Paris 2024” was held at the French Institute in Wuse, Abuja. The event had in attendance more than 80 participants who were treated to an array of sporting features that included high-intensity interval training (HIIT), Zumba, games, dance, and yoga sessions, along with comprehensive health check-ups.
Speaking to newsmen at the event, the French Embassy’s Cooperation Attaché Ketty Regis revealed that the sacrosanctity of staying fit and healthy necessitated the event by combining health and pleasure. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the Olympic Games in Nigeria.
Ketty also hinted that Team France has always been committed to youth development, sports and health.
“Team France, between 2023 and 2024 invested more than 2 million in sports in Nigeria in partnership with Nigerian institutions and local civil society actors,” she said.
During these two years, we have activities around breakdance, basketball, and football, and this morning we have yoga, HIIT, also Zumba and other activities. People are gathered here this morning to have fun, to enjoy, but also to check their health. It is our way of spreading the Olympic fever going in Paris, to the beautiful people of Nigeria.”
One of the Facilitators and Chief Executive Officer of ProjectMufasah, Nathaniel Shofarasin stressed the need for regular exercise.
Nathaniel hinted that health and wellness are not only about the mind but also about the soul and spirit.
He said: “We were in a group to provide the trainers with sporting equipment on site. We had to make sure we were provided the right food for the right event. The message we are trying to pass is fitness and health. Health and wellness is not just about the body, it’s about the mind, it’s about the spirit, it’s about the soul. It is however imperative that people exercise regularly as they can.”
Also, Chang Krane, an attendee who just visited Nigeria, expressed his elation about the fitness event stressing the need for more fitness-themed events.
“This is my first visit to Africa and to Nigeria, I am so excited to see the flow of passion and enthusiasm for the training. The need to be healthy and fit is very important and more programs of this sort will continue to stimulate interest,” he said.
