More than 500 riders from across Qatar took part in the first charity bike ride yesterday, aimed at raising over QR40,000 to help support the education of children in different countries.
Dubbed as ‘Ride for Education’, the event forms part of the ‘Road to Awareness’ commitment to make a positive difference in the community, according to Marriott hotels in Qatar.
The funds will be donated to Qatar-based Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, which is in the forefront of supporting millions of children worldwide who have no access to quality primary education.
“We believe in the essential role of sports in developing the youth’s skills, helping them build their self-confidence, embrace sport spirit, and work collectively in teams. Sport provides a solid foundation for holistic learning, promotes self-development, creates a sense of belonging and helps youth feel socially integrated and connected to their community,” said Mohamed Jassim al-Naama, senior representative of the Fundraising Department at EAA Foundation.
“EAA is proud to partner up with Qatar Marriott Worldwide Business Council (QWMBC) and all the organisations who share the same profound interest in the future of human development that support this cause through organising sports activities, as education and sports go hand in hand towards a child’s holistic development,” he noted.
Al-Naama added that EAA and its partners’ efforts highlight the importance of youth and education of out-of-school children as fundamental conditions for peace and development.
“Thanks to the contribution of the ‘Ride for Education’ organisers and the support of our local and international partners, we can now make a difference in the world on human, social and economic levels by offering quality education,” he said.
The bike ride, which welcomed cyclists of all levels, had two route options: the 40-km route, stretching from the Sheraton Grand Doha grounds to The Pearl-Qatar up to Lusail City; and the 20-km route, a course more suited for beginner cyclists, made a turn around The Ritz-Carlton Doha commencing from and ending at the Sheraton Grand Doha grounds.
The ‘Ride for Education’ was organised by QWMBC, a committee represented by the eight Marriott properties in Doha. It organises a wide variety of corporate social responsibility events across the country, in association with ‘Road to Awareness,’ a Marriott International initiative which aims to make a positive difference to underprivileged children by aiding and providing them a better future.
“The Road to Awareness campaign has made such an impact in the last 11 years in the Middle East and Africa region. I am proud to see the growth it is making each year to help make a positive difference to support underprivileged children in the communities,” said Guido de Wilde, COO of Marriott International MEA and founder of Road to Awareness.
QWMBC has 8 members: W Doha Hotel & Residences, St Regis Doha, Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, Sharq Village & Spa, Doha Marriott Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Doha and the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha.