Etihad Airways held its third annual ‘Run for a Cause’ event on the Abu Dhabi Corniche on Friday, 17 April 2015, raising almost half a million dirhams for charity.
The event was
attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Nasser Al Nahyan who awarded medals and prizes to
the race category winners.
All funds raised will go to two
special needs centres in Fujairah and Al Wagan in the UAE, and the renovation
of a school in Kakamega, Kenya.
The charity event commenced
with the playing of the UAE national anthem by the Abu Dhabi Police Band. It
also featured games, live entertainment, face painting, an elite motorbike
parade, and a range of prizes for fast finishers, including Etihad Airways’ Economy
Class return tickets, and safari packages to Sri Lanka from Etihad Holidays.
More than 4,500 participants
gathered to run the adult three kilometre race along the Corniche course, while
children ran for 1.5 kilometres and runners with special needs also took part.
Khaled Al Mehairbi, Etihad Airways’
Senior Vice President of Government and Aero Political Affairs, said: “As the
UAE flag carrier, we are at the heart of the community, and we feel strongly
about giving back to those in need.”
Mr Al Mehairbi, who also serves as the Chairman
of Etihad Airways’ Sports and Social Committee, added: “This donation
represents the kindness and generosity of our staff and partners, as well as
the wider community in Abu Dhabi who participated in this charity initiative.”
The community event, which
was open to UAE schools, organisations and residents of all ages, is part of Etihad
Airways’ strategy to promote global education, access to learning and the
wellbeing of children, both in the UAE and beyond.
More
than 1,000 members of Abu Dhabi Police took part in the fun run. The force was
instrumental in organising the race, offering facilities to support the event
and spread awareness among the local community.
The fun run was held in collaboration
with Abu Dhabi Police, the Emirates Red Crescent, Department of Transport,
Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi City Municipality,
EuroGulf, Abu Dhabi Educational Council, Abu Dhabi Media Company, Zayed Higher
Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs, Al Ain Water, Arwa
Mineral Water, Mikura Pearls, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Al Salem
Trading Enterprises and Sport 360 newspaper.
Hotels, restaurants and medical centres
also supported the charity initiative, including Abu Dhabi Royal
Hotel, Hilton Hotel Abu Dhabi, Shangri-La Hotel Abu Dhabi, Novotel ,St Regis
Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Beach Hotel, Azzurro Italian restaurant, Al Jaber
Optical, Dar Al Fajr Medical Institute, Corpofino Spa & Slimming
Lounge, Al Borj Medical Laboratories, Fusion Art and Al Khaja Enterprises.
“We hope that by bringing people
together like this, we will help raise awareness and vital funds for a very
deserving cause, and put a smile on the faces of children worldwide,” Mr Al
Mehairbi concluded.