XII UMECIT Health Fair 2024: “Your Health, Your Greatest Treasure”
The Metropolitan University of Education, Science and Technology (UMECIT) celebrated with great success the XII Health Fair 2024 under the motto “Your Health, Your Greatest Treasure”This iconic event was held in different locations throughout the country, once again reaffirming UMECIT's commitment to the well-being and health of Panamanian communities. Throughout the activities, students, teachers, administrators, graduates, strategic allies and the community in general actively participated, all united by a common goal: promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting vulnerable populations.
The UMECIT Health Fair is not just a day of recreational activities, but a space where education, physical culture, solidarity and social commitment converge. Every year, this initiative seeks to promote healthy lifestyle habits and raise funds that contribute to improving the quality of life of people or institutions facing difficult situations. Through community involvement and social work, UMECIT has consolidated this event as one of the main platforms for social impact in the country, promoting not only physical activity, but also the comprehensive well-being of people.
This year, the 12th Health Fair took place in six main venues: the International Bilingual Institute (IBI), Santiago, David, chitre, La Chorrera and other regions of the country. Below we detail the highlights of each of these locations, highlighting the achievements made and the positive impact generated in local communities.
Panama Headquarters
With the attendance of more than 2,500 people, including teachers, administrators, graduates, strategic allies and members of the community, the fair took place in an atmosphere full of enthusiasm and solidarity. The event included a packed agenda of activities focused on promoting health, physical well-being and supporting vulnerable populations.
The day began with the opening ceremony, presided over by the rector of UMECIT, who had the honor of cutting the ribbon and giving the starting signal to the traditional 3 kilometer raceThis sporting event symbolized UMECIT's commitment to promoting physical activity and health in Panama. During his opening speech, the rector highlighted the importance of the Health Fair as a meeting place between the educational community and society, and thanked the partner companies and institutions for their support of this initiative.
The opening ceremony was also attended by the Dr. Claudia Marcela Rueda Ossa, Vice-Rector General of UMECIT, who made an emotional call to the community to support Jose Manuel Martinez, a young man who suffered a serious traffic accident in 2021 and was left with quadriplegia. Dr. Rueda shared the story of José Manuel, who spent two months in a coma and currently requires specialized care and medical equipment to improve his quality of life. As part of UMECIT's social commitment, it was announced that this year the donations raised at the fair will be used to provide the necessary resources for his treatment and recovery.
In her speech, the Vice-Chancellor also highlighted that UMECIT will lead a comprehensive social intervention to provide support to José Manuel, through its university outreach and social work team, who are already assessing his needs to offer him effective support. Dr. Rueda called on the business community to join this noble cause, mentioning the importance of donations in kind, such as toiletries and other essential supplies, to improve the young man's living conditions.
Santiago Headquarters
At the headquarters of Santiago de Veraguas, the 2024 Health Fair was held at the Covered Court of Las Delicias Neighborhood, achieving the attendance of more than 400 peopleThis event became a memorable day that combined sporting, cultural and health activities, benefiting the local community and raising funds for two very significant causes: Camila Times, a girl who faces serious health problems, and the Mr. Olmedo Calderon, who requires urgent medical support.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including workshops, yoga, relaxing massages, days of vaccination, and measurements of glucose and blood pressure. In addition, cultural and artistic presentations were held that delighted all those present, highlighting the participation of show of the Canine Units of the National Police, which was one of the main attractions of the day.
The event also featured the presence of local entrepreneurs, who offered their products in stands specially set up for the occasion. The collaboration of institutions such as the Ministry of Health, the National University, the National Police and SENADIS, was essential to the success of this day.
David Headquarters
In the city of David, the fair took place on October 5th at the iconic Miguel de Cervantes Park, where various health promotion activities were carried out. With the support of institutions such as the David City Hall, he Ministry of Social Development, he Fire brigade, the Red Cross and the foundation Club, Health and Love, the fair became a space for well-being and recreation that benefited the educational community and attendees.
Chitre Headquarters
On October 12, the city of chitre lived a day full of enthusiasm with the realization of the UMECIT Health Fair. This event, which brought together students, teachers and representatives of the productive sector of the region, had as its main objective to raise funds for the Herrera Down syndrome children's foundation and the Mary Help of Christians Home, both institutions that provide care to people in vulnerable situations. The fair had the support of the Governor of Herrera, he Mayor of Chitre, and various local personalities, who joined forces to support this noble cause.
La Chorrera Headquarters
In La Chorrera, the Health Fair 2024 was held in the Plaza 28 de Noviembre Sports Complex, and aimed to raise funds for the CELAP Foundation, which offers assistance to people with autism spectrum disorders and difficulties in language development. The event was attended by more than 500 Saturday and evening students, who enjoyed activities such as health advice, a lively session of zumba, and a friendly football tournament in which the UMECIT team was crowned champion.
Local companies such as Pricesmart, BAC Panama West and New Chorrera Pharmacy They contributed significantly to the success of the event by providing resources and logistical support. In addition, the fair featured the participation of local entrepreneurs and sponsors who made the event a vibrant and organized event possible.
The XII UMECIT Health Fair 2024 It was not only a space to promote physical activity and health, but also a strong demonstration of UMECIT's commitment to the most vulnerable populations. The fair continues to establish itself as one of the events with the greatest social impact in Panama, and every year it adds more allies in its mission to generate positive change in communities. Solidarity, social responsibility and collective well-being are the pillars that guide this important initiative, reaffirming UMECIT as a benchmark of commitment and service to society.