The Tribune

Goodman's Bay Park came alive with music and movement on Saturday morning as BAF Global hosted its 5th Annual Dance for Diabetes, raising more than $5,000 in support of the Bahamas Diabetes Association (BDA).

The event, held in partnership with the Public Hospitals Authority and the BDA, brought together Bahamians of all ages for a morning of fitness, while raising awareness of diabetes and the importance of adopting healthier lifestyles.

The morning kicked off with an energetic Zumba session led by RiqN and Dance with Di, followed by a workout and cool-down session facilitated by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

BAF Global Marketing Assistant Manager, Alliyah Austin said the initiative reflects the company's longstanding commitment to health and wellness, particularly as diabetes continues to affect Bahamian families.

"In The Bahamas, we have so much non-communicable diseases that plague our nation. We have co-workers who are diabetic and pre-diabetic and so we’re also doing this for them, for all Bahamians,” Austin said.

Austin noted that the event was especially meaningful because diabetes affects persons of all ages, including children. Among those participating in Saturday's activities were children from the Ranfurly Home.

The more than $5,000 raised will support the BDA's ongoing work providing education, medication assistance, and other essential resources to persons living with diabetes. Austin noted that the “amazing work” that the Association is doing in the community was worthy of this financial support.

Dr Monique Mitchell, an executive member of the BDA, expressed gratitude for the donation and emphasised the importance of corporate partnerships in sustaining the organisation's work.

"I am so grateful to BAF on behalf of the Bahamas Diabetes Association for the donation of over $5,000, because that money is absolutely needed for us to do our work," Dr Mitchell said.

"We help everybody with diabetes from education and awareness to newly diagnosis to providing medication to providing support and counseling. We do everything that we can to help persons with diabetes to live well."

For Dr Mitchell, the fight against diabetes is also deeply personal. Having lost her mother, who lived with diabetes for more than 40 years, and with two brothers currently living with the disease, she understands firsthand the challenges faced by affected families.

She also shared that she has experienced pre-diabetic blood sugar levels and remains committed to making lifestyle changes to reduce her risk of developing the disease.

Dr Mitchell was particularly encouraged by the participation of children and older adults, noting that physical activity plays an important role in diabetes management.

"It was so exciting to see the children here today, because we do have some children with Type 1, even with Type 2 diabetes, and it was good to see them exercising," she said.

Now in its fifth year, Dance for Diabetes continues to reinforce BAF Global's commitment to supporting healthier communities through initiatives that encourage physical activity and promote greater awareness of chronic diseases.

The company has maintained a commitment to health and wellness for more than a century, recognising that creating a healthier Bahamas requires collective action and opportunities for people of all ages to participate.