Coronavirus: Luis Figo and Nicolas Anelka support Dubai 'Be Fit, Be Safe' campaign

Former Real Madrid superstars lend support with video massages for sports council

Luis Figo and Nicolas Anelka have added their support to the Dubai Sport Council’s “Be Fit, Be Safe” campaign, urging UAE residents to take care during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) launched the initiative earlier this month to encourage members of the community to exercise at home following the precautionary closure of gyms to limit the spread of the virus.

"Be Fit, Be Safe" received some additional backing on Wednesday from Figo and Anelka, both former Real Madrid players who have a long association with Dubai in particular. Anelka is a long-time resident.

Figo, whose hugely successful career included trophy-laden spells at Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan, won the Ballon d’Or in 2000 and the Uefa Champions League in 2002.

Anelka, meanwhile, was a Premier League winner with both Arsenal and Chelsea, while also tasting Champions League success, with Madrid in 2000. He was part of the France squad that secured the European Championship that year, too.

The “Be Fit, Be Safe” campaign asks residents to avoid going out unless absolutely necessary, but to share home workout videos online. Residents are requested to then tag @DubaiSC to help motivate others, and to nominate two friends to take up the challenge.

The initiative is said to have received widespread support, with experts from the fitness industry and some of UAE’s top sports stars also participating. As part of the campaign, DSC has also linked up with some of the leading brands from UAE’s fitness industry to offer free daily virtual fitness classes.