Reach Out To Asia (Rota) is encouraging all families in Qatar to “reach out by having fun” at the sixth Wheels ‘n’ Heels Family Fun Day, which will take place on February 8 at the Museum of Islamic Art Park on the Doha Corniche.
Launching Qatar’s premier community event of the year during a press conference at the Qatar Foundation recreation centre, board member HE Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Falah al-Thani was joined by representatives from Wheels ‘n’ Heels 2013 flagship sponsor Maersk Oil Qatar and leadership sponsor Commercialbank. The event encourages the people Qatar to lead a healthy lifestyle.
“It is with great excitement that we announce the sixth Wheels ‘n’ Heels Family Fun Day. For this year’s event, a long list of celebrities, entertainers and sports stars are joining and helping Rota promote the benefits of regular exercise, a healthy diet and enjoying life,” said Dr Sheikha Aisha.
On the day families from across Qatar come out to enjoy and play, Wheels ‘n’ Heels 2013 will also partner with the final stage of the Tour of Qatar to give families the opportunity to cycle in the same circuit used by professional cyclists, as well as take part in fitness activities and watch celebrities perform on the stage.
All family members are invited to climb aboard a bike, jump on a skateboard or lace up a pair of trainers to complete the circuit as adults, children and celebrities jog, walk, cycle or take the wheelchair for 3km along the Doha Corniche to help Rota raise funds to provide quality education to 48mn children in need across Asia.
In partnership with Maersk Oil Qatar, Wheels ‘n’ Heels 2013 is making a special effort to promote Action on Diabetes, an initiative designed to deliver HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani’s vision of a healthier and prosperous Qatar by 2030.
Speaking at the press meet, Faisal al-Medehkah, head of social investment at Maersk Oil Qatar, said: “Maersk Oil Qatar is very proud to support Wheels ‘n’ Heels as the flagship sponsor. With our partners from Action on Diabetes, we will also set up our diabetes awareness village to complement the event activities. Healthy lifestyles are a very important factor in preventing Type 2 diabetes, and we are pleased to join Rota at this important event.”
The Action on Diabetes village has already proven very successful – attracting more than 15,000 visitors during a four-day Katara event in November 2012. Specialists from Supreme Health Council, Qatar Diabetes Association, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation and Novo Nordisk, partners with Maersk Oil in the Action on Diabetes project, will be at hand to offer diabetes testing and provide advice on preventing and managing diabetes.
“We have a strong corporate social responsibility programme that makes a sustainable and positive impact on the Qatari society. Our social investment activities are largely focused on the areas of health, education, capacity building and the environment – where we believe we can make a positive contribution that supports development in the State of Qatar,” added al-Medehkah.
The Kids Zone will keep children occupied with non-stop live entertainment, bouncy castles, face painting, a variety of games, interactive sports and performances by well-known singers and dancers. Local and international celebrities as well as sports stars will take part in the autograph signing session.
The Childhood Cultural Centre, founded under the initiative of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser to encourage, support and develop social growth in Qatar, will provide books and arts and crafts materials to Wheels ‘n’ Heels 2013.
‘Stay Active and Healthy’ will be the message at the active and health zone as children as well as adults learn more about first aid, how to prevent accidents and even get free health check-ups. Civil Defence staff will also be on hand to teach youngsters the importance of road safety, traffic rules, fire safety and how to use an extinguisher. Besides, Aspire, Qatar Cycling Federation and Girls on the Go promise hours of fun sports and fitness activities for the entire family.
On behalf of Commercialbank, deputy CEO Abdulla Saleh al-Raisi said: “We are proud to be the leadership sponsor of Rota Wheels ‘n’ Heels 2013 because we firmly believe in doing our bit to support initiatives that benefit society as a whole, especially those that promote the values of education and healthier lifestyles. The Rota Wheels ‘n’ Heels fundraising plans also inspire with the spirit of reaching out to people in need of support, and encourage with its sense of the possible. We look forward to supporting Rota to achieve its plans and enjoying a fun-filled family day next month.”
“Rota encourages the families of Qatar to say yes to a healthy lifestyle by taking part in a community day of celebration on February 8. I would also like to address a special invitation to all schools in Qatar to join us at the circuit,” said Essa al-Mannai, Rota executive director.
A large outdoor screen will show Wheels ‘n’ Heels activities, entertainment programmes from the stage and inspirational Rota videos, besides providing sponsor information.
Besides Maersk Oil Qatar and Commercialbank, Rota strategic partner Qatar Cycling Federation and a number of Qatari organisations will demonstrate their corporate social responsibility by participating in the event as Wheels ‘n’ Heels partners. They are Civil Defence, Qtel, Qatar National Cancer Society, Qatar Institute for the Elderly and National Programmes.