Over 500 riders from all over the country came together to raise more than QAR 40,000 in an effort to help raise awareness and funds that will support the education of children all over the world. As part of Road to Awareness’ commitment is to make a positive difference in the community it operates in, Marriott hotels in Qatar organised the fundraising event.
The funds raised will benefit Education Above All Foundation. Today, 63 million children worldwide have no access to quality primary education. Commenting on this occasion, Mohammed Jassim Al Naama, Senior Representative of the Fundraising Department at Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, said:
I would like to thank all those involved in organising the ‘Ride for Education’ to support Education Above all (EAA) Foundation’s programme which aims at providing quality education for the most marginalised and poor children around the world. We believe in the essential role of sports in developing the youth’s skills, helping them build their self-confidence, embrace sports 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.’
He added:
EAA is proud to partner up with Qatar Marriott Worldwide Business Council 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. 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 a human, social and economic levels by offering quality education.’
The bike ride, which welcomed cyclists of all levels, had two route options: the 40-km route, which stretched from the Sheraton Grand Doha grounds to The Pearl 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. ‘Ride for Education’ was organised by Qatar Marriott Worldwide Business Council (QWMBC)*, a committee represented by the eight Marriott properties in Doha that organises a wide variety of corporate social responsibility events across the country, in association with Road to Awareness, a Marriott International initiative that aims to make a positive difference to underprivileged children by aiding in providing them a better future.
Guido de Wilde, Chief Operating Officer of Marriott International MEA and founder of Road to Awareness, said about ‘Ride for Education’:
The Road to Awareness (R2A) 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. The Marriott hotels in Qatar made this charity bike ride happen and allowed us to raise funds to help more children through Education Above All with the support of the local community.’
*QWMBC has 8 members: The W Doha Hotel & Residences, The St. Regis Doha, The 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.
