Wednesday 22 April 2015

The Empowerment Hub: An All #Saudi Female Team Aiming For A Fitter #KSA - #Change2015


It all started with a simple idea by five young and curious Saudi female professionals from different backgrounds, who were thirsty to work ‘Together for a Fitter KSA.’  The team’s passion to live a healthy and active lifestyle and more importantly to give back to the community encouraged Mashael (IT Guru), Dena (Creative Guru), Noura (Media Guru), Mona (Fitness Fanatic) and Hala (Law & Order) to bring what they have to the table, and that’s how The Empowerment Hub (TEH) was born.


This year's Change event by TEH brought the Electric Run to Saudi Arabia for the very first time. In fact, the Electric Run held at Change 2015 in April in the city of Riyadh was the first Electric Run to take place in the GCC region. The run was praised, not because it was the first in the GCC, but because exciting fitness events, such as Change 2015, are what draw the younger generation to these events and from there helps broaden their fitness motivation and education. 

Hundreds of ladies wearing bright neon face paint and accessories participated in the 5K race. They also participated in a variety of some of the best fitness classes available, such as: Anti-Gravity fitness, Piloxing, CrossFit, bodyART, Konga Jagua, UGI, Karate, and more. To enrich the day even more, the ladies were able to refresh with fresh juices and healthy snacks from local businesses who took up stalls around the venue.  

To bring this groundbreaking event whole circle, a percentage of the profit from Change 2015 was donated to Bunyan Charitable Foundation in support of one of their programs ‘To Build a Productive Family,’ which helps unprivileged families own homes by offering zero-interest loans.

TEH did not stop there, knowing that 70 percent of Saudi Arabia's population is below 30 years of age, with skyrocketing numbers of people diagnosed with diabetes, TEH decided to expand and target the country’s youth community. Change Kids was held on April 3rd, 2015, where boys and girls enjoyed a full day of fitness classes and activities which included a 1K Junior Color Run, Spinning, Ballet, Karate, Yoga, Zip-lining and more at AlReem International Circuit. Arts and crafts classes were offered where children ages 2-4 created touching letters for our Saudi troops.


The Empowerment Hub's Previous Events: 
In March 2014, TEH brought Change to Riyadh. A fun filled outdoor day where some of the country’s health and fitness experts came together to support the awareness of women’s health in Saudi Arabia, while giving back to the community. Working under the umbrella of Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City, the “all ladies” event was held at AlReem International Circuit where Saudi Arabia’s 1st ever Color Run took place, along with several outdoor fitness classes organized by some of the best female gyms in the country. Whether you wanted to challenge yourself at CrossFit, Boot Camp or a 60 minute Spinning class, or lounge and relax at the Spa and shop at the Food & Beverage and Retail booths, Change promised you never a dull moment.  By joining hands with supportive sponsors, partners, booth renters and volunteers, Change 2014 was able to help raise funds for six non-profit organizations in the Kingdom and that’s when the team decided Change will be an annual event in Riyadh.  

Later that year, Zahra Breast Cancer Association came knocking on TEH’s door with a cause that hit too close to home for many.  October 2014 was around the corner and Zahra wanted to venture out to the Eastern Province to raise breast cancer awareness.  TEH succeeded in becoming an official entity prior to the event, and organized 3alba7ar, its second fitness event in 2014.  3alba7ar was held at The Sunset Beach Resort and once again with joint efforts, TEH was able to raise funds for Zahra.


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