Participants cross the starting line during the two-day annual Maersk Oil & Qatar Petroleum Challenge held recently. Participants of the MOQP Challenge prepare for a relay competition.
Maersk Oil Qatar has raised QR400,000 for children with diabetes from registration fees collected during the annual Maersk Oil & Qatar Petroleum (MOQP) Challenge held recently.
The funds raised will be donated to the 15th Al Bawasil Diabetes Camp for Children to be held in Doha this January, Maersk Oil Qatar managing director Lewis Affleck has said.
“The two-day desert challenge is a physically demanding event for the participants and has resulted in a large donation to the Qatar Diabetes Association for the Al Bawasil Camp for Children from 18 countries, including Qatar. Our support for the camp is an extension of our work with Action on Diabetes to combat one of this country’s largest health challenges,” Affleck explained.
He added that Maersk Oil operates Qatar’s largest offshore oilfield, Al Shaheen, which produces over one-third of Qatar’s daily oil production.
“In addition to making a significant economic contribution to the state, Maersk Oil is a socially responsible company that seeks to make a positive and meaningful contribution to Qatar and Qatar National Vision 2030,” Affleck stressed.
All activities of the MOQP Challenge were themed around diabetes and promoted healthy lifestyles, including the importance of maintaining a healthy fitness level and balanced diet.
The challenge featured five demanding stages over two days that included, for the first time, both mountain biking and kayaking, in addition to orienteering by GPS, construction challenges and night navigation.
“This is the third time we’ve competed in the MOQP Challenge but to win this year, while helping raise money for diabetes in the process, was the sweetest experience of all. Several members of our team have relatives with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes; so, our participation took on an extra meaning. The two-day event was certainly not easy and we had to work closely as a team the whole time but it was worth it,” said team captain Gurbanbibi Meredova of Schlumberger, the overall winner of the challenge.
The Al Bawasil Diabetes Camp, which runs for six days from January 31, is a “safe and positive” environment for children with diabetes. The camp aims to help the children address the emotional and physical pain caused by diabetes and to give them the confidence to reach their full potential. Doctors, nurses, nutritionists and social specialists will run educational sessions for 75 children, in addition to fun physical activities.
Dr Abdulla al-Hamaq, executive director of Qatar Diabetes Association - Qatar Foundation, said: “The donation of registration fees from the 30 teams that took part in the MOQP Challenge and the assistance of Maersk Oil Qatar and Action on Diabetes were all invaluable.”