A group of skaters and BMX bikers braved the windy weather to hold a charity event at Al Sadd Sports Club grounds yesterday afternoon.
Participants, mostly young Filipinos, came as early as 3pm sweating their way on the rail and ledger set up in an area used for cricket games.
Dubbed as “BMX Riding and Skateboarding for a Cause”, the event aimed to benefit victims of various natural calamities in the Philippines. Aid will be coursed through the Philippine Overseas Labour Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO and OWWA).
Farhan al-Sayed, a keen supporter of cycling events and organisations in Qatar, gathered dozens of young enthusiasts who showcased their skills and talents in extreme sports.
“By engaging in activities like these, youngsters develop skills, confidence and discipline,” al-Sayed told Gulf Times.
Besides promoting an active and a healthy lifestyle, he stressed that the organisers wanted to create awareness and introduce these sports to all, especially to youth.
He plans to organise various competitions and exhibitions in Mesaieed, Dukhan, Al Khor, and Al Wakrah in co-ordination with existing clubs and groups in those areas.
Al-Sayed is the patron of Qatar Extreme Sports (QES) and founder of Qatar Chain Reaction and son of the first Qatar cycle champion Salem al-Sayed. He thanked and praised HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for establishing the Ministry of Sports.
He has sponsored numerous bike and skateboarding competitions in Qatar. He considers the bike and skateboarding groups as one family.
QES committee member Aaron Borleo said that they had started with only five members about two years ago. Now, about 20 BMX bikers regularly join their activities in different venues.
He thanked al-Sayed for his support.
“Al-Sayed has a lot of plans to popularise and promote our sport,” Borleo said.
Skateboarder Paulo, a Filipino expatriate who came to Doha only four months ago, was pleased to find people who shared the same passion.
“I don’t consider this a hobby, this is really passion. It’s addicting and it gives you an indescribable kind of thrill and excitement,” he said.
The groups hope to have a permanent venue where they can practise and hold regular competitions.
The charity event was attended by Joey Appleton, the champion (open category) of the recently held mountain bike competition. To entertain the crowd, he showcased his skills in BMX biking by doing some tricks and mini-acrobats.
Al-Sayed said that a 100-km road race would be held in Dukhan on October 18 while a mountain bike event was also set this month.
http://www.gulf-times.com/qatar/178/details/368391/bikers-and-skaters-show-off-their-skills
Follow us on our social media channels:
@ILQlive
@ILQlive
@ILoveQtr
ILoveQatar