Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and official airline partner of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, encourages members of its Etihad Guest loyalty programme to donate their frequent flyer miles to help support athletes with intellectual disabilities attending the Games.
The
cost to fund a single athlete’s participation in the World Games is approximately
AED 25,000. Generous donations from Etihad Guest members will go directly to
helping athletes from all over the world to fulfil their ambitions of competing
on a global stage.
YasserAl Yousuf, Etihad Airways Vice President Commercial Partnerships, said: “Etihad’s
valued partnership
with Special Olympics World Games is a major element of our extensive global
programme of social activities. We have a responsibility to support those of
determination in realising their dreams and their true potential and we are
continuously exploring new ways in which to play a more impactful role.
“Many of our guests
have also expressed a keen interest in having the opportunity to make a
difference. This donation programme will allow them to do just that, and we
thank them for their generosity.”
As part of the airline’s
contribution, for every new Etihad Guest enrollment on www.etihadguest.com/sowg between now and 21 March 2019, Etihad Airways will automatically
donate 500 miles to Special Olympics on their behalf. An additional 500 miles
will be awarded to new members once their first flight with the airline has
been taken.
Existing members wishing
to contribute can visit www.etihadguest.com to donate miles, to help athletes on and off the field, supporting
accommodation, food, transport, special events and dedicated facilities at the
World Games.
Taking place in the
Middle East and North Africa region for the first time, this year’s Special
Olympics World Games are expected to attract up to 500,000 spectators and will
be the largest global event ever to be held in the UAE’s capital.
Bringing together
more than 7,500 athletes from over 190 nations, Special
Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 is the largest sports
and humanitarian event on the planet this year.
Etihad Airways will
ferry athletes, equipment, coaches, dignitaries, and media to Abu Dhabi for the
event. The athletes will be accompanied by 2,500 coaches and delegates.