A good number of residents, comprising sports enthusiasts of different ages and backgrounds, yesterday actively participated in Reach Out to Asia’s fifth Wheels ‘n’ Heels charity event at the Museum of Islamic Art park.
Qatar Foundation chairperson HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Rota’s chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani interacted with families during the event that showcased an array of entertaining activities, including community cycling and lifestyles village.
The event was also graced by dignitaries and celebrities from the region. Rota’s board member Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh al-Thani described the event as the number one community day event for Qatari families, which is also helping to draw attention to the plight of others in need, especially helping countries in Asia to rebuilding their educational infrastructure.
“We are very pleased to organise this event again this year and I hope that it will raise a very good amount that will go a long way at providing financial support for those in need,” she said.
Rota director Essa al-Mannai said Rota’s activities across Asia are expanding, especially with the rise of new collaborations between the organisation and many others across countries where Rota works.
He mentioned that all proceeds realised at the charity event will be donated to Japan to help in its rebuilding efforts after the devastating Tsunami that occurred last year and also to mark the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations between Qatar and Japan.
According to him, more than 10,000 must have taken part in the fun day event.
“I want to thank Sheikha Al Mayassa for attending Wheels ‘n’ Heels. Her support will inspire people to embrace the event’s key message: live a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, good food and a safe environment,” al-Mannai said.
Rota ambassador and a mountaineer Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulla al-Thani, who was also present at the event to show his support said he has recently conquered the highest point in the Antarctica, Mount Vincent, hoisting both the country’s and Rota’s flags.
“The journey to climb Mount Vincent took me three weeks and it was extremely cold, steep and hard, but I am glad that I achieved the aim, which was climbing for Rota,” he said.
Sheikh Mohamed al-Thani had previously reached the top of Kilimanjaro and Mont Blanc.
Highlights of the event included clowns and jugglers shows, balloons and bubble show, and live performances by popular Arab singing sensations such as nine-year-old Hala al-Turk, UAE singer Fayez al-Said, Qatari singer Ali Abdulsatar and Jordanian super star singer Diana Karazon.
Other live events at the charity fun day were drums performance and traditional show by students from the Japanese School in Qatar.
Apart from announcing the winners of the Tour of Qatar biking champions, a nerve-wracking biking stunt show was also staged.
The Wheels ‘n’ Heels 2012 strategic partner was Qatar Cycling Federation and the event was supported by Qatar Olympic Committee, Aspire, Qatar Diabetes Association, Children Cultural Centre, Qtel and Civil Defence as well as Qatar Stars league players, including Ghanem al-Muftah, Nada Zeidan and Rania Alwani.
The Rota’s Board of Trustees has agreed at a recent meeting to endorse the pending initiative of Reach Out To Arabia, which is coming after the success of the Doha Arab Games held last December and the ongoing Arab Spring, a Rota spokesperson has said.
Gulf Times
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