The scheme, launched by healthcare company Sanitas, encourages businesses to play a part in the well-being of their employees and is designed to create a healthier city through sport.

"Madrid Healthy City" will provide companies with personalised eight-week plans for staff to help them live healthily, as recommended by the World Health Organisation.

COE President Alejandro Blanco was in attendance at the event alongside representatives from Sanitas, the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC) and from various companies in the Spanish capital.

"I am very pleased that a company the size of Sanitas promotes sport and good habits among citizens," Blanco said.

He also highlighted the role Sanitas play in "not only the medical-scientific field but in promoting those healthy habits in society".

As part of the programme, Sanitas will make a contribution to the FEC for every kilometre racked up by those involved with the scheme during runs and exercises, using software including Runkeeper and Nike+.

It is also hoped the initiative can reduce the risk of heart disease for employees, particularly those who may do less active jobs such as working in offices, with a key emphasis placed on sustainable mobility.

"Little by little, people are becoming aware of how important it is to acquire healthy lifestyle habits that allow them to, wherever possible, avoid cardiovascular diseases," FEC President Leandro Plaza Celemín added.

"The programme is a step forward for the normalisation of heart-healthy lifestyles."



Related stories
May 2015: Spanish Olympic Committee celebrate Podium Progamme first anniversary
May 2015: Spanish Olympic Committee signs agreement with sports clothing manufacturer
February 2015: Spanish Olympic Committee renew partnership with Trinidad Alfonso Foundation