KEEN footballers are being urged to sign up for one of Bahrain’s most anticipated annual charity sports events which aims to raise funds to help tackle teenage mental health issues.
The Rotary Club of Manama (RCM) has set a goal of collecting around BD15,000 from its annual Six-a-Side Football Tournament which will be staged at Bahrain Rugby Football Club on Friday, March 20.
Incoming president and chairperson of the event committee, Dr Marjan Modara, said: “Organising the event for the 22nd consecutive year reflects the constant concern of RCM on serving several noble goals and making a positive impact on some of the critical issues faced by society today.”
She was joined at a press conference launch today in Gudaibiya by the club’s current president Khalid Mukhtar and board member Renuka Ravindran who highlighted a recent health survey which recorded a large number of 13-17-year-olds in Bahrain admitting they had suffered depression and suicidal thoughts.
“They are under tremendous pressure in an age of social media that we never experienced as children ourselves, and many do not know how to cope or where to turn to for help. We want to offer assistance and support initiatives aimed at helping our young people,” explained Dr Modara.
To help address the concerns, professional help and guidance is now being offered to students as part of a general school initiative at health centres.
The club has a history of tackling social issues head-on and working in partnership on a variety of projects such as supplying and fitting smoke alarms to buying life-saving medical equipment for cancer and sickle cell sufferers, plus supporting children with learning difficulties and those diagnosed with autism.
Members continue to monitor and support sustainable projects on a long-term basis, even if it means helping to repair a van that travels to schools offering support and encouraging a healthy diet and exercise project trying to prevent childhood obesity and diabetes.
Founded in 1965, RCM currently has 58 members and is part of Rotary International, the world’s first service club organisation. ‘Service Above Self’ and ‘One Profits Most Who Serves Best’ are Rotary's official mottoes.
The football tournament is one of the club’s major fundraisers and as well as the action of the pitch, there will be music, stalls and family games at the rugby club on the day.
- To sign up a team or for sponsorship opportunities contact Dr Modara on 33980900 or email marjan@marjanspace.com