Multiple world record holder Oscar Pistorius underlined his reputation as the world’s fastest Paralympic athlete by winning, on Wednesday evening, over a pure-bred Arabian racehorse in the unique ‘run like the wind’ challenge, part of Sasol Qatar’s definitely able campaign. The spectacular closing event of the inaugural Doha Goals Forum, ‘run like the wind’ saw South African ‘Blade Runner’ Oscar Pistorius compete against Maserati, a pure-bred Arabian racehorse owned by Ibraheem Al-Maleki on the specially constructed Aspire Zone circuit. Among the audience at the Aspire Zone, were a host of international sporting visionaries and celebrities attending the Doha Goals Forum. The event started with a tribute to Qatari Athletes, from disabled and able-bodied teams who caught the admiration and applause of a cheering crowd. Sasol Qatar Country President Marjo Louw presented to H.E. Sheikh Saoud Abdulrahman Al-Thani, the Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee, a trophy of recognition for his efforts to advance sport in Qatar. H.E. Sheikh Saoud thanked Sasol and addressed the athletes by saying: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for dedicating your time and efforts for the cause of sport, and in particular for your role in changing the lives of millions of people around the world”. He added: “through your role model status, and your exceptional talent, skills and abilities you have inspired a generation through high level performances and role model behavior”. “you continue to inspire new generations and contribute towards giving a chance for millions of children and youth all over the world to practice sport and for some of them go on to become international athletes”. He concluded by saying: “we hope that you shall continue to unite us with your exceptional abilities and inspire others to take on sport and achieve their dreams”. Mr. Louw said: “By inviting Oscar Pistorius to display his incredible sporting talent during ‘run like the wind’, our hope is that Sasol’s definitely able campaign can put the spotlight on people with disabilities who inspire people of all abilities to adopt an active and rewarding lifestyle”. He added: “As Doha GOALS supports the mission of Sports as a tool for promoting peace, social unity, and cultural tolerance while inspiring ideals and promoting a better lifestyle, we can see a positive synergy with the mission of Sasol’s definitely able campaign, beyond the run like the wind event”. Run like the wind is the inspiration of international energy and chemical company Sasol and forms part of its ground breaking corporate responsibility campaign, definitely able, in Qatar. “Participating in Sasol’s definitely able campaign gives me the opportunity to inspire, instill confidence and give a sense of purpose to people. I see myself as able and place focus on my abilities: this is my key message. ,” said Pistorius. “In particular, I want to applaud Qatar’s Paralympic athletes for their efforts which inspire others to look past their challenges and confront whatever situation they face, head on”. “The underlying message of Sasol’s definitely able campaign, supported by Oscar Pistorius, is our commitment to bring about a change in people’s belief in their abilities as well as in the way people think, feel and behave towards disability and to create a more tolerant and inclusive society,” concluded Louw.

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