KSÍ and clubs support World Heart Day
Friday, November 15, 2013
Article summary
September's last matchday in the Úrvalsdeild was the stage for the Football Association of Iceland to promote World Heart Day and raise awareness of cardiovascular disease.
Article top media content
Article body
As September drew to a close, the Football Association of Iceland (KSÍ) and its top clubs came together to promote the importance of a healthy heart in support of World Heart Day 2013.
World Heart Day is held annually on 29 September under the auspices of UEFA's social responsibility partner the World Heart Federation (WHF). World Heart Day attempts to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease risk factors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy eating, obesity and smoking as the first step towards preventing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
To help heighten understanding of heart health, the KSÍ advertised World Heart Day through its communication channels and encouraged clubs to use a healthy heart activities tool kit developed by partners of the WHF, the European Healthy Stadia Network.
Pitchside activities endorsing healthy lifestyles were part of pre-match ceremonies at all six games played in the men's top flight over the weekend of 28/29 September. These included public address announcements to fans about the benefits of being physically active, for example by playing regular football.
In addition, the televised derby between KR Reykjavík and Fram Reykjavík also featured a team of World Heart Day flag bearers on the pitch before kick-off. For more information about World Heart Day, visit worldheartday.org.
